A disabled man’s claim of police brutality for refusing to
sit down on a Centro bus has emerged as a significant issue in the upcoming
democratic primary for Syracuse mayor.
Speaking at a news conference on equal rights, Syracuse City
Councilor and candidate for mayor, Pat Hogan told reporters, "I am
appalled at what I saw."
Hogan was referring to surveillance video of a May 3rd
incident in which Brad Hulett, a severely disabled passenger, was tased and
dragged off a Centro bus by two Syracuse police officers, allegedly breaking
his hip in the process. Hulett was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly
conduct.
The incident has sparked outrage among disabled and civil
right advocates, as well as a lawsuit against the City.
"If I was mayor, the police chief and officers would be
in my office the next day," says Hogan.
He accused the mayor and the police chief of being silent on
the issue.