Black UVA Student Left Bloody After Public Intoxication Arrest; Gov. Orders Investigation
ByA black student at the University of Virginia (UVA) sustained bloody injuries during an arrest early Wednesday morning and the incident has resulted in the state ordering an investigation.
According to the Washington Post, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested Martese Johnson, 20, after he tried to get into the Trinity Irish Pub with a fake ID. Johnson somehow ended up on the ground with a gash on his head and blood streaking down his face, though how that came to pass is not clear.
A video obtained by the Post and multiple news outlets does not show the altercation between ABC officers and Johnson, just the student on the ground cursing at the officers while they cuff his hands behind his back. Onlookers can be heard pleading with the officers to let Johnson up while the officers are telling Johnson to stop resisting. The officers charged Johnson with public intoxication, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.
UVA President Teresa Sullivan released a statement on the matter Wednesday, confirming she had asked the Governor's office to conduct an investigation. She also said she met with police chiefs from both the university and Charlottesville's departments to discuss what happened.
"The safety and security of our students will always be my primary concern, and every member of our community should feel safe from the threat of bodily harm and other forms of violence," Sullivan said. "Today, as UVA students, faculty, and staff who share a set of deeply held values, we stand unified in our commitment to seeking the truth about this incident. And we stand united in our belief that equal treatment and equal justice are among our fundamental rights under the law."
Gov. Terry McAuliffe confirmed Wednesday afternoon the investigation into whether or not the law enforcement officers used excessive force. The Cavalier Daily obtained a number of responses to the incident and some contained eyewitness testimony that would indicate Johnson was wrongfully injured.
By Wednesday night, CNN reported, a large crowd of students and UVA community members gathered for a rally to show their support for Johnson.
"Regardless of your personal opinions and the way you feel about subjects... please respect everyone here," he said when he addressed the crowd. "We are one community. We deserve to respect each other, especially in times like this."