Police officer filmed punching woman at Miami college football game
Footage shows woman physically stunned by blow
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Video has emerged appearing to show a Miami police officer punching a woman in the face at an American college football match.
The woman, named by police as 30-year-old is seen being carried out of the stadium by four officers. As she is hauled out, she attempts to slap one male policeman across the top of the head.
He responds by punching her powerfully in the face.
The woman, who is being carried on the shoulders of the four police officers, appears to be physically stunned by the punch, falling back on to the other officers carrying her.
The footage appears to have been taken during a match between the Miami Hurricanes and Virginia Tech Hokies at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday night.
Shared by tens of thousands on social media, the video prompted widespread anger and calls for the police officer, who was named only as Detective Ross, to be sacked.
One wrote: “Excessive force. Girl’s drunk and flailing harmlessly. No need to hit her like that.”
Another said: “He needs to be fired. Trained professionals need to be held to a higher standard.”
Others, however, suggested the woman was wrong to have attempted to hit the officer, and suggested his response was “natural”.
Alvaro Zabaleta, a Miami-Dade Police Detective, told The Independent: "Promoting a safe and secure environment during any special event is our primary concern. After responding to a disturbance, the person in the video was being removed from the event by our officers for being disorderly. She was subsequently arrested for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Disorderly Conduct/Breach of the peace.
"Supervisory personnel are aware of the video and are reviewing the incident to ensure compliance with our policies and procedures.”
Police said Ms Freitas had been arguing with other fans and swearing loudly. She is then said to have refused to leave the stadium. Police charged the 30-year-old with disorderly conduct and battery on a police officer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments