Statement: Norristown Police brutality

On the morning of February 4th, we watched in shock as a Norristown Police Officer accelerated their cruiser and struck a person experiencing a mental health crisis, sending them multiple feet into the air. Afterwards, police detained the person instead of administering first aid.

The video is clear; the officer used their vehicle as a weapon against an unarmed and vulnerable community member. We hope for the victim’s full recovery and expect full accountability from the Norristown Police Department. However, nothing will erase the damage to the individual and the damage to public trust.

Police failed to protect residents. Officers did not stop traffic, and they did not attempt to de-escalate the situation. Emergency medical services were not first on the scene when they should have been. When faced with a person in crisis, their only solution was violent force. When asked at a town hall on February 5th, Police Chief Trail did not know the medical status of the victim. The safety of residents is an afterthought.

This incident reflects not only on the entire police department, but on the Norristown Municipal Council as well. We ask Norristown to consider whether the police department should be receiving nearly 40% of the budget when they fail to meet the most basic standards and endanger others.

This violent act serves as a solemn reminder that we have no one to protect us but ourselves. Along with the frequent ICE raids on our neighbors, we see that state violence against vulnerable members of our community is the norm. The system of policing is designed to oppress and occupy our communities, not to protect them. 

We stand with the community of Norristown and hope to build a future where our neighbors are not victimized by the people who are sworn to protect them.