The Los Angeles Police Department is under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing an officer punching a handcuffed man during a traffic stop in Watts. The incident, which took place on July 28, has sparked outrage amongst community members and activists, leading to calls for immediate legal action against the involved officer.

The confrontation, captured on a viral bystander video, occurred around 5 p.m. on the 1700 block of 113th Street. Recorded footage from the scene depicts the 30-year-old man, later identified by civil rights activists as Alexander Donta Mitchell. Following the violent encounter, neighbors reported seeing Mitchell collapse, with a subsequent video showing him being taken away in an ambulance. In light of the event, the LAPD has declared that they have consequently begun to thoroughly investigate the situation, as stated  by CBS News Los Angeles. They also clarified that while the officer implicated has been "removed from field duties," this does not signify a suspension or leave but indicates a desk post at the station.

Community leaders and civil rights activists have become vocal in their condemnation of the arrest, with Najee Ali of Project Islamic Hope describing the incident as "horrific" and evidence of the lasting issue of excessive force within the Black community. "This officer does not need a badge or a gun," Ali told ABC7. "He needs handcuffs and a jail cell for what he did. He should be arrested and prosecuted."

The call for accountability extends beyond community activism, with legal experts sharing their perspectives. Attorney Lou Shapiro expressed his opinion to CBS News Los Angeles, remarking, "I don't think anybody looking at his video thinks that it was justified force, even if something did precipitate it at that point in time." Similarly, retired LAPD Sgt. Cheryl Dorsey emphasized to the same outlet that no prior events could justify the officer's use of force.