Lancaster City residents and activists gathered at the Lancaster City Council meeting Tuesday evening to voice their concerns about the March 2 arrest of youths downtown.
Over the weekend a video circulated on social media of Lancaster City Police using force to arrest youths bicycling in downtown Lancaster City. In a statement, the police said the video does not depict the full interaction, the incident is under review, and the individuals involved were charged with disorderly conduct, evading arrest, limitations on riding side by side, and lack of light and reflectors. More information on the arrest will come out once the review is complete. Update The Lancaster City Police investigating March 2 incident.
City Council President, Amanda Bakay explained Mayor Danene Sorace was not present at the meeting because of a prior commitment. Chief Richard Mendez normally does not attend the meetings.
During the public comments, speakers called for the firing or the firing of Officer J. Hatfield. They called for the names of the other officers involved in the incident to be released citing they should face reprimands for their involvement.
Local activist organizations including; Black Voter Outreach Network of PA, The Lancaster Bail Fund, Lancaster Changemakers, Lancaster Stands Up and Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) submitted a document for public record outlining specific demands for oversight, transparency, and policy reform.
Speaking for the Black Voter Outreach Network of PA and Lancaster County Bail Fund, Jessica Lopez gave City Council members the proposed resolution along with a copy of the City of Lancaster’s commitment to racial equity that came out in 2020.
“We believe it is reasonable to expect leadership that actively works to improve trust between law enforcement and the public, particularly for marginalized communities,” she said.
“However, the continued use of force and lack of de-escalation involving black and Latino residents raises significant concerns.”
Multiple City Council members said they have seen the video, and voiced their concerns with how the situation was handled.
“I was disturbed by what I saw as a citizen and as a stepdad,” said Councilor, John Hursh.
Today, in a statement released to the press, Blanding Watson, president of the Lancaster Brand of the NAACP said, “We look forward to engaging with the Mayor’s Office, Public Officials, Lancaster City Police, and getting community input to assure the appropriate actions and accountability are taken in this situation, and that practices are put in place to de-escalate future situations of this nature.”
One United Lancaster will update on the incident as new information becomes available.
