A police officer in Brockton, Massachusetts, is under investigation after a video shows him kneeling on a high school student during an arrest.  

According to NBC Boston, the incident took place outside of Brockton High School on Wednesday. The unnamed officer was arresting a student who allegedly attacked another student, Brockton Public Schools reported.  

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The arrest was captured on video and many other students yelled at the officer as he kneeled on the student he was arresting. Superintendent of Brockton Public Schools, Mike Thomas, sent a message to parents on Wednesday. It said, “The video depicts the moment the student is being handcuffed, and the way the student is being restrained during the arrest has been cause for great concern. The video was painful to watch—particularly given its historical context.”  

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The historical context relates to the murder of George Floyd, who died after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes in May 2020. The case made national attention and sparked protests in multiple states, including Massachusetts. Chauvin was convicted for Floyd’s murder and was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.  

The Brockton Police Department issued the following statement to NBC Boston:  

“Brockton Police are conducting an inquiry into the arrest of a student outside of the high school this afternoon. The inquiry is to determine whether the officer followed proper rules and procedures. 

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The officer was placed on administrative leave as an investigation is underway. The student who was arrested has been charged with assault and battery for the alleged attack on another student.  

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by this story, resources are available here.