- A police officer apparently shoved a high school trumpet player during
- The student, Brandon Mitchell, appeared shocked by the alleged assault.
- His mother says she is seeking a public apology for her son’s embarrassment.
Video of a police officer apparently shoving a high school student at a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans has ruffled some feathers online and locally.
Brandon Mitchell, a student at a local charter school, marched with the LB Landry High School band in Thursday night’s Krewe of Muses parade, one of the largest of the season.
During a break in the march, a New Orleans Police Department officer is seen on video apparently elbowing the student, who was positioned right next to him at the time.
Mitchell and his brass-playing bandmates reacted to the officer’s act of aggression with what appeared to be shock, anger and confusion.
Brandon Mitchell, a student at a local charter school, marched with the LB Landry High School band in Thursday night’s Krewe of Muses parade, one of the largest of the season.
During a break in the march, a New Orleans Police Department officer is seen on video apparently elbowing the student, who was positioned right next to him at the time.
There appears to be a tense exchange before the gang starts moving again and Mitchell and his friend move on.
Tiffany Jones, Mitchell’s mother, told a local output Her son did not deserve the unnamed officer’s aggressive behavior and she described him as a considerate friend and rule follower.
“I want a public apology because my son was publicly embarrassed,” she said.
She confirmed that her son and his friends were shocked by the behavior.
Algiers Charters, which oversees LB Landry High School, issued a statement expressing disappointment in the officer’s perceived behavior at the parade.
‘We at Algiers Charter are deeply disappointed by the incident captured on video, which shows an NOPD officer shoving an LB Landry student and member of the Pride of Algiers Marching Band Unit.
‘However, we commend our students for their restraint and refusal to engage in negative behaviour. This incident underscores the importance of the conflict resolution lessons we teach our students.’
“I want a public apology because my son was publicly embarrassed,” said Mitchell’s mother, Tiffany Jones.
LB Landry High School said it is in the process of initiating a meeting with the New Orleans Police Department “to promptly address this matter.”
The institution added that it is in the process of initiating a meeting with the New Orleans Police Department ‘to promptly address this matter.’
“Such behavior does not reflect the standards we expect from law enforcement officers, nor is it the conduct we anticipate our young students will encounter from law enforcement,” the statement continued.
“Respect for authority and appropriate conduct remain core values we instill in our students.”
The department has reportedly already opened an investigation into the incident and informed the school that the process is being strictly followed.