NYC Police Violently Arrest Woman With Child Over Face Mask

A woman in New York City was violently taken to the ground and arrested by half a dozen police officers, in front of her young child, over a face mask.

The New York Daily News reports that the incident happened just before noon on Wednesday, May 13th. Their report says police started to detain the woman in the subway when her mask was on incorrectly. After the situation escalated, and officer placed his hands on the woman, which is when she swatted his hand back, and officers took her down.

The video can be seen here

In the video, bystanders can be heard talking to the police officers. One man says in disbelief:

“Yo, yo, this is unnecessary. She’s got a kid with her! She’s got a baby with her!... She’s got her mask on! Her baby’s even got a mask on! That’s too much, man!”

The Hill reports the woman's name is Kaleemah Rozier. The 22-year-old was arrested on charges of Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, and Harassment. Their report also says that the New York Police Department have issued statements defending the actions of the officers involved.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio reacted differently. He shared the video on Twitter with some thought:

Even though the Mayor appears to disagree with the way this situation was handled, he doubled down on his insistence on mask wearing by the public.