In Los Angeles, newly released video shows the death of Edward Bronstein at the hands of California Highway Patrol officers. The 38-year-old father of five was arrested in March of 2020 on suspicion of driving under the influence and brought to a CHP station in the Los Angeles suburb of Altadena. A 17-minute video recorded by a CHP sergeant opens with officers demanding Bronstein give a blood sample to measure his blood alcohol level.

Highway Patrol officer: “You’re bringing the fight to this, not us.”

Edward Bronstein: “I’m not fighting it at all.”

Highway Patrol officer: “Then have a seat and provide your arm. This is your last opportunity; otherwise, you’re going face down on the mat, and we’re going to keep on going.”

After Bronstein hesitates, five officers tackle and pin him to the ground, pressing their combined body weight into Bronstein’s back and neck.

Edward Bronstein: “I’ll do it willingly, I told you. Please, don’t! OK, I’ll do it willingly! I’ll do it willingly! I’ll do it willingly, I promise!”

The video shows officers ignoring Bronstein’s pleas to willingly give a blood sample. He screams repeatedly and gasps “I can’t breathe” 12 times.

Edward Bronstein: “I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe! I can’t breathe!”
bq. Highway Patrol officer: “Then stop yelling!”
bq. Edward Bronstein: “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.”

Bronstein’s screams grow quieter, and he falls still. Two minutes pass as officers continue to draw blood. One officer checks for a pulse, calls Bronstein’s name and slaps him in the side of his head as he appears to be unconscious. Officers call for a paramedic but continue to draw blood from Bronstein’s limp body. More than 11 minutes after Bronstein’s last screams, officers finally begin administering CPR.

Bronstein’s family is suing the California Highway Patrol for wrongful death, assault and battery, civil rights violations and failure to render aid. A federal judge ruled Bronstein’s family had a right to view the video and make it public, after California state attorneys fought to prevent its release. Bronstein’s family is also demanding criminal charges for the officers involved.