NYPD Officers Placed on Modified Duty After Viral Arrest Video

Mayor Mamdani condemns officers' actions before investigation is complete

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed wrists, the metal cuffs reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the violence and tension of a police arrest.The violent arrest video has sparked a debate over the use of force by police and the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities.Brooklyn Today

A chaotic arrest video out of Brooklyn showing a violent struggle between two NYPD officers and a suspected drug dealer inside a liquor store has gone viral online, prompting a swift condemnation from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The NYPD has since placed both officers on modified duty as the department's Internal Affairs Bureau reviews the incident.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked a debate over the use of force by police, with Mayor Mamdani, a vocal supporter of the 'defund the police' movement, condemning the officers' actions before the investigation is complete. The NYPD's response and the public's reaction highlight the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities over policing practices.

The details

The footage showed the officers repeatedly punching the suspect in an effort to get him to the ground as he resisted arrest. The lengthy video ended with the suspect being escorted out of the store in handcuffs. The NYPD has placed the two officers involved on modified duty, and the department's Internal Affairs Bureau is reviewing the incident.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at a liquor store in Brooklyn.
  • The video was shared on social media on April 15, 2026.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The Democratic mayor of New York City, who has been a vocal supporter of the 'defund the police' movement.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner, who confirmed the two officers involved have been placed on modified duty.

Patrick Hendry

The president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, who criticized Mayor Mamdani for condemning the officers before the investigation is complete.

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What they’re saying

“The violence used by NYPD officers in this video is extremely disturbing and unacceptable. Officers should never treat a person this way. The NYPD is conducting a full investigation into this incident.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“We don't know why the mayor is bothering to call for an investigation when he has already rushed to condemn the NYPD members involved without knowing all the facts.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, New York City Police Benevolent Association

What’s next

The NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is continuing its investigation into the incident, and more information is expected to be released as the probe unfolds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities over the use of force by police, with Mayor Mamdani's swift condemnation of the officers' actions before the investigation is complete drawing criticism from the police union. The outcome of the NYPD's internal review will likely shape the public's perception of the incident and the department's handling of it.