57 Police officers, making the entire Emergency Response Team at the Buffalo Police Department have resigned.
The team sent in their resignation as a show of support for two of their colleagues who were suspended without pay for shoving an elderly man to the ground during a protest in New York.
WIVB reporter, Dave Greber confirmed in a tweet that a total of about 57 officers resigned on Friday. He also said they are still employed, but no longer on ERT.
#BREAKING: I’m told the entire @BPDAlerts Emergency Response Team has resigned from the team, a total of 57 officers, as a show of support for the officers who are suspended without pay after shoving Martin Gugino, 75. They are still employed, but no longer on ERT. @news4buffalo
— Dave Greber (@DaveGreber4) June 5, 2020
Reacting to the incident, Buffalo Police Commissioner announced he was deeply disturbed over the incident and the two officers involved in the incident were suspended without pay as that the elderly man is in serious but stable condition.
Buffalo Police Commissioner, Mayor Byron Brown also issued a statement, saying the city is aware of these resignations.
“The City of Buffalo is aware of developments related to the work assignments of certain members of the Buffalo police force. At this time, we can confirm that contingency plans are in place to maintain police services and ensure public safety within our community. The Buffalo police continue to actively work with the New York State Police and other cooperating agencies.”
“If they resigned, I’m exceptionally disappointed by it because it indicates to me that they did not see anything wrong with the actions last night,” Poloncarz said after being asked about the ERT Team resigning: