Johnny Mims is addressing a current incident that concerned authorities tasing him in entrance of scholars and fogeys after a soccer sport. Mims works because the band director at Minor Excessive Faculty (MHS) in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Bodycam Footage Reveals How Swiftly The Scenario Escalated
In accordance with an announcement from the Birmingham Police Division, the scenario went down on Thursday (Sept. 14) after a soccer sport between MHS and P.D. Jackson-Olin Excessive Faculty.
Whereas the officers had been clearing the sector after the soccer sport, they famous that the bands had been nonetheless enjoying, with Mims later telling NBC Information that each colleges’ band administrators agreed to do a “fifth quarter” efficiency whereas attendees exited.
Authorities say that, whereas the house staff’s band director agreed to cease enjoying, Mims allegedly “didn’t comply” and “instructed his band to proceed performing.”
Afterward, the scenario went downhill, with officers alleging {that a} “bodily altercation ensued.”
“Throughout the officers’ interplay with Minor’s band director, the choice was made to put him in custody. BPD officers tried to take the band director into custody for Disorderly Conduct when a bodily altercation ensued between the band director, Birmingham Metropolis Colleges System Safety personnel, and BPD officers.”
One of many authorities alleged that Mims “pushed him throughout the arrest,” and the officer “subdued the band director with a Taser” in response. Mims was then charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and resisting arrest.
The division finally launched the bodycam footage of the incident. Inside the video, viewers can see one of many officers method the band, and Mims tells him to “get out of [his] face” whereas persevering with to guide the band. The officer is then heard saying, “I acquired my troops. They gon’ sweep they a*ses out.”
Different officers then enter the scene, with one barking, “Load them up, earlier than I name the superintendent!” Upon being threatened with jail time, Mims responds by giving a thumbs up, and the sector lights later lower out as he continues.
After the efficiency wraps, a scuffle ensues. An officer can later be heard saying that he’s taking Mims to jail for being “disrespectful.” Then, whereas Mims is being detained, an officer tases him no less than thrice, prompting onlookers to scream.
You’ll be able to view the footage right here.
Johnny Mims & His Lawyer Say The Matter “Traumatized” 145 Band College students
On Wednesday (Sept. 20), Johnny Mims and his lawyer — Juandalynn Givan — appeared on CNN, with the lawyer noting that the scholars had been “traumatized.”
“No matter how this will likely have began, there’s nothing that occurred that will have warranted my consumer being tased a number of occasions, even whereas on the bottom like some whole prison, at that time in entrance of 145 college students. These youngsters had been traumatized.”
Throughout a dialogue with NBC Information, Mims and Givan additionally rejected the narrative that the band director pushed an officer. In actual fact, the lawyer referred to as it “simply one other try by legislation enforcement, as they’ve performed throughout the nation, to validate their unhealthy acts.”
It’s additionally value noting that, whereas recounting the incident, Johnny Mims mentioned, “I used to be so surprised and so baffled. All I keep in mind is listening to all of my college students screaming and all the mother and father crying.”
BPD’s Inner Affairs Division is wanting into the matter. Moreover, Mims has been positioned on administrative depart pending a separate investigation by the Jefferson County Faculty District.
As for Givan, she says she and her consumer are planning to pursue authorized motion in opposition to the division.
