Olympic medallist Fred Kerley's violent arrest video reignites questions about policing of black men in USA

US Olympic sprint star Fred Kerley’s arrest in Miami, Florida, which included a violent confrontation with the police before the athlete was tasered has led to a massive controversy. The 29-year-old Kerley, who won 100m bronze at 2024 Paris Olympics, was arrested in South Florida late Thursday after a confrontation with police, authorities said.

Body camera footage released by Miami Beach police captures Fred Kerley in a heated exchange with a group of officers before the situation escalated into a physical confrontation. As per the video, Kerley was taken to the ground, struck multiple times by an officer, and then tasered during the altercation.

The video of Kerley’s arrest has led to an online furore with many users on X accusing the police of “abusing their power and use of force in America”.

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What happened to Fred Kerley is disgusting, but sadly not surprising. Another example of police abusing their power and use of force in America. Cop came up confrontationally, then beat on Fred while he’s being held down on the ground. Hope he wins a lawsuit and people get fired.

— Andrew Sweeney (@CoachSweeneyXC) January 3, 2025

“This is COMPLETE OVERUSE OF FORCE by the Miami-Dade Police against Fred Kerley,” an user wrote.

This is COMPLETE OVERUSE OF FORCE by the Miami-Dade Police against Fred Kerley.

The same Fred Kerley, who just finished representing the USA and winning a Bronze Medal in the 100m at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. How do you represent your country and come home to unnecessary beat… pic.twitter.com/BMnf5tys8d

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 4, 2025

Here are other reactions:

The Fred Kerley arrest video is really disturbing and also makes me think about how many black men are arrested in a similar fashion without a camera to document it. Hope he sues the Miami police into the sun.

— Aidan Reed (@AidanReed45) January 4, 2025

Very disturbing video of Olympic 100m bronze medalist and Benjamin Azamati’s training partner, Fred Kerley, getting manhandled by police in Miami. pic.twitter.com/x2xgnq2fSM

— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) January 3, 2025

Police’s version

According to an arrest report, officers were investigating an unrelated active police scene when Kerley approached the area and attempted to force his way through to his vehicle, which was parked nearby. Officers had told Kerley to go around the area, but Kerley began to argue with them, which led to a shoving match with police.

Four officers tried to take Kerley into custody while he moved to evade arrest, officials said. After being stunned with the Taser, Kerley was taken to a local hospital and then to the Miami-Dade County jail.

Kerley is charged with battery, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct. Online court records didn’t immediately list an attorney for Kerley, and USA Track & Field, the national governing body for track and field in the US, declined to comment on the arrest.

Kerley won the silver medal for the 100 meters at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and the bronze for the same event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. He has also earned six medals at the World Athletics Championships.

With agency inputs