New York City police are accused of beating a Brooklyn man and using anti-gay slurs while arresting him over the weekend. Jabbar Campbell, 32, claims that police came to his home while he was hosting a gay pride party and attacked him unprovoked in the hallway of his building. Campbell said the party of about 80 guests also hosted transvestites and transsexuals, and that the police visit was motivated by “homophobic concerns and not for any legitimate police purposes.”
During a press conference Thursday, Campbell showed footage from his home security cameras. Though the alleged beating was not captured, the footage shows several officers gathering outside the building, and one camera was turned away by an officer before the confrontation. He claims that as he opened his door, the police rushed into the building and began beating him. While he was struck, Campbell alleges that police yelled “stop resisting” and used anti-gay slurs. Charges against Campbell include attempted assault, resisting arrest and possession of marijuana and Ecstasy.
“I didn’t have a chance to say anything, do anything,” Campbell said. “I got bum rushed.”
Campbell said he intends to sue the city and the police department for his injuries. He said he was treated at Kings County Hospital for a mild concussion and bruises, and required nine stitches for a cut lip. Lawyer Herbert S. Subin represents Campbell, and believes that the police executed an illegal search of the home without obtaining a warrant.
Police Department spokesman said that the internal affairs bureau is investigating Campbell’s claims, according to The New York Times. A statement from police at the scene said that Campbell pushed a sergeant and attempted to flee, and that drugs were found on him.
