In New Jersey, advocates are demanding the firing of two Paterson police officers involved in the beating of a Muslim, Arab American teen this past December. Osamah Alsaidi, who was 19 at the time of the assault, posted the video on social media. The video shows officers Kevin Patino and Marcos Martinez apprehending Alsaidi while he’s walking. One of the officers is seen repeatedly punching Alsaidi, who is then tackled to the ground, where the officers continue to beat him. Alsaidi was reportedly later diagnosed with a concussion and head trauma.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations said in a statement, “To see such a reprehensible attack happen at the hands of those who supposedly serve and protect Paterson residents is more than disheartening, it is revolting and deserving of immediate punishment.” The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation.