Police brutally beat a 22-year-old man while he shouts: "Why are you arresting me?"

A routine stop for alleged traffic violations ended in a scene of police brutality that has sparked outrage on social media. The protagonist: William Anthony McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old African American man who was beaten, handcuffed, and dragged by Jacksonville police officers while pleading, "Why are you stopping me?"

The video of the arrest, captured by both McNeil's own cell phone and the officers' body cameras, shows an extreme use of force that is now the subject of administrative review. Although the prosecutor's office determined that no criminal law was violated, the case has revived the debate about abuse of authority and differential treatment of Black people in the United States.

The incident occurred on February 19, 2025, but the video didn't go viral until July. The footage shows McNeil remaining inside his vehicle, calm but confused, as he demands an explanation for the arrest:

“Why are you stopping me?” he repeats over and over. “Please call your supervisor.”

In less than a minute, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) officers accuse him of resisting without violence , threaten to break his window if he doesn't leave, and finally forcefully remove him. One of the officers breaks his window, pulls him from the car, and punches him.

Already on the ground, handcuffed and offering no visible resistance, McNeil receives more blows, while shouting that he was obeying:

“I’m putting my hands behind my back! What’s wrong with you?” he can be heard saying.

Sheriff TK Waters held a press conference after the case went viral. He acknowledged that the video generated a strong public reaction , but defended the officers involved.

“Although Officer Bowers’ response is not fully captured on the body camera, the State Attorney’s Office concluded that no criminal law was violated,” Waters stated.

He added that the case will be reviewed internally to determine whether internal policies were violated, but made it clear that, in his opinion, McNeil provoked the situation by failing to comply with orders to exit the vehicle 21 seconds after the stop.

According to official reports, McNeil was arrested for:

• Do not turn on the lights during rainy weather.
• Not wearing a seat belt.

However, in the video, McNeil can clearly be heard saying, "It's daytime, it's not raining," as he questions the reason for the stop and asks to speak to a supervisor. The officers never clearly explain the charges before breaking the window.

After being subdued, a serrated knife was found on the floorboards of the car, without a sheath. This was mentioned after the attack and is not listed as the initial cause of the violent act.

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The young man was accused of:

• Resisting authority without violence.
• Driving with a suspended license.

He was sentenced to two days in jail, which he has already served. Other lesser charges were dismissed. His lawyers claim the real offenses were asking a loud question and having black skin.

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Activists, community leaders, and civil rights organizations like the NAACP have condemned the incident. Attorney Ben Crump, known for representing families of victims of police abuse, stated:

"This isn't a case of traffic violations. It's another example of how police respond with violence when a Black man simply asks questions."

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Department has not suspended or disciplined the officers. Meanwhile, the case continues to garner media attention and could escalate to federal court if a pattern of systematic abuse is proven.