A male model known for gracing the runways of prestigious brands was unjustly detained by police officers while documenting what he perceived as excessive force during an arrest. This alarming incident raises serious questions about police accountability in our urban centers, especially in the context of First Amendment rights.
Finn Doering, a 23-year-old model with a high-profile career, was filming police as they struggled with a subject in a Manhattan subway station. The footage shows officers pinning a man down while he repeatedly questioned why he was being detained. Instead of protecting civilians and upholding the law, the police chose to retaliate against Doering for exercising his rights.
Police allege that Doering obstructed their duties as they attempted to arrest Tarasi Watkins, 24, around 1 a.m. They contend that his presence hindered their efforts. However, the video tells a different story. It reveals officers using a stun gun on the visibly distressed Watkins while dismissing Doering’s valid concerns as mere interference.
When an officer warned Doering to back off, he responded with righteous indignation. “I can speak! I can speak!” he declared, asserting his right to document the unfolding events. This bravado should not be met with punitive actions; it should be celebrated.
Doering’s experience in a filthy holding cell speaks volumes about the treatment citizens can expect when they take a stand against perceived injustices by those sworn to protect them. He condemned the conditions he faced, calling them “unsanitary and degrading.” His attorney, Mark Bederow, argues that the arrest was nothing short of retaliation against a citizen utilizing their constitutional rights.
The NYPD has remained silent regarding the accusations of retaliatory action. However, it is clear that law enforcement must be held accountable for their actions. They cannot suppress public scrutiny simply because they feel offended by someone exercising their right to film and question.
Doering may have faced recommendations for charges such as obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct, but the DA rightly chose not to prosecute. The decision reflects a recognition that justice should not be served by punishing individuals who dare to record the realities of police interactions.
Bederow is preparing to hold the city accountable for this unlawful violation of Doering’s civil rights. “All options are on the table,” he stated, including a lawsuit against the NYPD. It’s time for law enforcement agencies to understand that they are not above scrutiny and that citizens have the right to demand transparency and fairness. The truth must prevail, and those who abuse their power must be held accountable.
