The NAACP has urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate an investigation into the tragic death of a 53-year-old African American man. Despite his desperate pleas of not being able to breathe, the man lost his life during the course of his arrest by the police officers.
Frank Tyson passed away following an encounter with Ohio police officers at a bar located at the American Veterans (AMVETS) post in Canton on April 18.
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NAACP’s president and CEO, Derrick Johnson, expressed his deep concern over the tragic incident in a letter to Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Justice Department. He emphasized his distress and called the incident “horrific.”
According to a letter obtained by NBC News, Johnson emphasized the importance of federal intervention in holding police officers accountable for their actions. “We are seeking justice and accountability,” Johnson stated.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that they have received the letter, but they have chosen not to provide any additional comments at this time, according to a spokesperson for the DOJ.
After the officers place Tyson in an upright position, he ceases all movement and seems to be unresponsive. The first responders quickly initiate CPR and administer several doses of Narcan, while awaiting the arrival of the Canton Fire Department medics.
Tyson was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead at 9:18 p.m.
The death of Tyson brings back memories of the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020. Floyd, an African American man, lost his life when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over 9 minutes.
During his arrest, Floyd also pleaded with the officers, saying, “I can’t breathe.”
Frank Tyson should still be alive today. It has been almost four years since the tragic death of George Floyd, and yet we find ourselves once again witnessing the horrifying sight of an unarmed Black man pleading for air while being apprehended by law enforcement. This heartbreaking reality was shared by Johnson on the social platform X.
The Canton Police Department has identified Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch as the main officers involved in the incident on April 18. These two officers, who are part of the traffic bureau, have been placed on paid administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.
According to Bobby DiCello, an attorney representing Tyson’s family, the Canton Police Department showed a complete disregard for Tyson’s humanity.
Attorney DiCello expressed his outrage at the incident where an officer placed their knee on someone in 2024. He highlighted the disturbing fact that when the person pleaded, “I can’t breathe,” the response was, “You’re fine, eff you.” DiCello emphasized that the officers openly revealed the hidden truth behind George Floyd’s death. He emphasized that such a revelation can occur through actions or by stating it directly to someone’s face.
