Johnny Mims is addressing a latest incident that concerned authorities tasing him in entrance of scholars and oldsters after a soccer recreation. Mims works because the band director at Minor High School (MHS) in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Bodycam Footage Shows How Swiftly The Situation Escalated
According to an announcement from the Birmingham Police Department, the scenario went down on Thursday (Sept. 14) after a soccer recreation between MHS and P.D. Jackson-Olin High School.
While the officers have been clearing the sphere after the soccer recreation, they famous that the bands have been nonetheless taking part in, with Mims later telling NBC News that each faculties’ band administrators agreed to do a “5th quarter” efficiency whereas attendees exited.
Authorities say that, whereas the house staff’s band director agreed to cease taking part in, Mims allegedly “did not comply” and “instructed his band to continue performing.”
Afterward, the scenario went downhill, with officers alleging {that a} “physical altercation ensued.”
“During the officers’ interaction with Minor’s band director, the decision was made to place him in custody. BPD officers attempted to take the band director into custody for Disorderly Conduct when a physical altercation ensued between the band director, Birmingham City Schools System Security personnel, and BPD officers.”
One of the authorities alleged that Mims “pushed him during the arrest,” and the officer “subdued the band director with a Taser” in response. Mims was then charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest.
The division finally launched the bodycam footage of the incident. Within the video, viewers can see one of many officers strategy the band, and Mims tells him to “get out of [his] face” whereas persevering with to steer the band. The officer is then heard saying, “I got my troops. They gon’ sweep they a*ses out.”
Other officers then enter the scene, with one barking, “Load them up, before I call the superintendent!” Upon being threatened with jail time, Mims responds by giving a thumbs up, and the sphere lights later minimize out as he continues.
After the efficiency wraps, a scuffle ensues. An officer can later be heard saying that he’s taking Mims to jail for being “disrespectful.” Then, whereas Mims is being detained, an officer tases him no less than 3 times, prompting onlookers to scream.
You can view the footage right here.
Johnny Mims & His Lawyer Say The Matter “Traumatized” 145 Band Students
On Wednesday (Sept. 20), Johnny Mims and his lawyer — Juandalynn Givan — appeared on CNN, with the lawyer noting that the scholars have been “traumatized.”
“Regardless of how this may have started, there’s nothing that happened that would have warranted my client being tased multiple times, even while on the ground like some total criminal, at that point in front of 145 students. Those kids were traumatized.”
During a dialogue with NBC News, Mims and Givan additionally rejected the narrative that the band director pushed an officer. In truth, the lawyer referred to as it “just another attempt by law enforcement, as they have done across the country, to validate their bad acts.”
It’s additionally value noting that, whereas recounting the incident, Johnny Mims stated, “I was so stunned and so baffled. All I remember is hearing all of my students screaming and all of the parents crying.”
BPD’s Internal Affairs Division is trying into the matter. Additionally, Mims has been positioned on administrative depart pending a separate investigation by the Jefferson County School District.
As for Givan, she says she and her shopper are planning to pursue authorized motion in opposition to the division.
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