A viral video showing the violent arrest of William McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old Black college student, has sparked public outrage and calls for justice, as civil rights attorneys accuse Florida deputies of excessive force and falsifying their arrest report. McNeil, who suffered multiple injuries during the February traffic stop in Jacksonville, is now facing a lengthy recovery.
Student describes fear during traffic stop:
William McNeil Jr., a biology major and marching band member at Livingstone College in North Carolina, addressed the public during a press conference in Jacksonville.
“That day I just really wanted to know why I was getting pulled over and why I needed to step out of the car,” McNeil said. “I knew I didn’t do nothing wrong. I was really just scared.”
Details of the arrest and injuries:
- The incident occurred in February but received little attention until last weekend, when dashcam footage from McNeil’s vehicle went viral.
- The video shows McNeil sitting calmly in the driver’s seat, asking to speak with a supervisor before officers break his window and begin punching him.
- Officers are seen pulling McNeil from the vehicle and striking him again. Police reports confirm that an officer delivered six closed-fist punches to the back of McNeil’s thigh.
- McNeil suffered a concussion and a broken tooth that pierced his lip, requiring multiple stitches.
Disputed official narrative and legal response:
- The Duval County Sheriff’s Office claims McNeil was repeatedly asked to exit the vehicle and failed to comply for over three minutes.
- Bodycam footage released by authorities shows McNeil closing and locking the car door after initially speaking with officers. However, the video does not clearly show the punches.
- Civil rights attorneys representing McNeil argue the arrest report was fabricated to justify the use of force.
Legal developments and investigations:
- The sheriff stated he only became aware of the incident when the footage went viral. An internal affairs investigation has now been launched.
- A separate review by the State Attorney’s Office concluded there was no criminal wrongdoing by the officers — a finding strongly condemned by McNeil’s legal team.
- Shortly after his arrest, McNeil pleaded guilty to resisting an officer without violence and driving with a suspended license.
College and community reaction:
- Livingstone College President Anthony Davis confirmed McNeil is a dedicated student and musician at the historically Black Christian college.
- The arrest and subsequent video have drawn national attention, with activists, civil rights groups, and community leaders demanding accountability and justice.
As investigations continue, McNeil’s attorneys are calling for full transparency and disciplinary action against the officers involved. The case adds to ongoing national conversations about police conduct and racial profiling during traffic stops.
