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Noir Nation, here we go again. Social media is in an uproar after newly released bodycam footage from Jacksonville shows a disturbing encounter between deputies from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and 22-year-old William Anthony McNeil Jr. during a February traffic stop that ended in violence.
🚨 It Started As A “Seatbelt Stop”
According to JSO, McNeil was pulled over for allegedly not wearing a seatbelt and driving without headlights in what officers described as “inclement weather.” But in the video, McNeil can be heard calmly disputing the claims, saying:
“There’s no rain.”
He repeatedly asks for a supervisor, keeps his tone respectful, and does not attempt to flee. Still, deputies claim he was being uncooperative for keeping his doors locked.
👊🏾 Then Things Turned Ugly
The situation escalated fast. Deputy D. Bowers is seen breaking McNeil’s window and punching him multiple times in the face, pulling him violently from the vehicle. The video is hard to watch—and has sparked national attention as yet another example of unjustified force against a Black motorist.
🗣️ Sheriff T.K. Waters Responds
In a press conference addressing the now-viral video, Sheriff T.K. Waters issued a statement that left many feeling unsettled:
“Yes, there absolutely was force used by the arresting officers. And yes, that force is ugly. But… just because force is ugly does not mean it’s unlawful or contrary to policy.
I will neither defend nor commend Officer Bowers’ response to resistance until all the facts are known and the investigation is completed.”
Sheriff Waters confirmed that Officer Bowers has been temporarily stripped of law enforcement authority while an administrative review is conducted. The State Attorney’s Office has already ruled out criminal charges.
⚖️ The Charges And Legal Fallout
McNeil was charged with resisting arrest without violence and driving with a suspended license. He served two days in jail after pleading guilty. Other charges, including marijuana possession, were dropped.
His legal team, led by Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, is pushing back hard—calling the allegations fabricated and the encounter a blatant case of excessive force.
“This is the kind of trauma Black men face even when they’re calm, respectful, and clearly unarmed,” Daniels stated.
🎓 Who Is William Anthony McNeil Jr.?
McNeil is a college student and musician, studying biology at Livingstone College. He told reporters he feared for his life and was “confused and scared” throughout the entire stop.
“I knew I didn’t do nothing wrong,” McNeil shared. “I kept asking for a supervisor because I felt like I wasn’t being treated fairly.”
🖤 Noir Nation, This Is Why We Stay Loud
Once again, we’re forced to witness a young Black man brutalized during what should’ve been a basic traffic stop. The bodycam footage doesn’t lie—and yet, accountability still feels optional.
Keep your eyes open, your voices raised, and your foot on the gas when it comes to demanding justice.
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