I Can’t Breathe in Binghamton 2023:
Press Conference, Speak Out at City Council Meeting,
Protests Continue….
Shortly after 3AM on January 1st, 2023, Binghamton Police assaulted Hamail Waddell, 24, on State Street. Waddell, who is Black and Asian, was a bystander attempting to de-escalate a fight when police seized him and threw him to the ground. Officer Brad Kaczynski then proceeded to kneel on the back of Waddell’s neck, which is illegal under New York’s Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act and barred in BPD’s use of force policy. Waddell sustained injuries to his face, head, neck, and back, and required stitches in his chin. 
Community rallies began immediately see video here, fuller story here, and local news reports here and here) and continue: read the full press release with demands here. At the Binghamton City Council meeting on Jan 10th over 100 local people spoke out in support of Mr. Waddell, one after another, for near on two hours. City council members made no supportive comments, with members Giovanni Scaringi and Council President Sophia not attending. New story here.