NYCLU Condemns Violent Arrest of Two Black Men During Traffic Stop in Syracuse 

SYRACUSE – On April 9, 2025, during a vehicle stop captured on video, a group of Syracuse police officers wrestled two young Black men to the ground and punched one in the face. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement attributable to Special Counsel for Criminal Justice Litigation Daniel Lambright: 

“We are extremely disturbed by the video footage showing a group of Syracuse police officers violently arresting two young Black men for an alleged minor traffic violation. It’s devastating to see police – again and again – treat Black lives with such callous disregard. 

“This incident reflects a culture of discriminatory policing in Syracuse. It also highlights the harms of pretextual traffic stops, which are disproportionately used to target Black and Brown men, rely on racist stereotypes about criminality, and often spiral into police violence. We are calling for answers and accountability.” 

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