The US Department of Justice has launched a sweeping civil rights investigation into the Montgomery Police Department following the violent arrest of a Morehouse College professor that has drawn national condemnation.
The incident, captured on harrowing body camera footage, shows multiple officers pinning down Dr. Armondo Collins outside his home in what authorities now acknowledge was a case of mistaken identity.
A Scholar's Ordeal
Dr. Collins, a respected economics professor at the prestigious historically black college, was returning from grocery shopping when officers descended on his vehicle. The confrontation quickly escalated despite the academic's attempts to comply with commands.
"I kept telling them they had the wrong person, but they wouldn't listen," Dr. Collins recounted from his hospital bed, where he was treated for multiple injuries including a concussion and fractured ribs.
National Outrage Grows
The case has ignited fresh debates about police conduct and racial profiling in the American South. Civil rights leaders have drawn parallels to historical injustices while demanding comprehensive reform.
Key developments in the case include:
- Seven officers placed on administrative leave pending investigation
- Multiple use-of-force experts describing the arrest as "excessive"
- Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed publicly apologising to Dr. Collins
- Morehouse College launching its own independent review
Federal Scrutiny Intensifies
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced the federal probe, stating that the Justice Department would examine whether the Montgomery Police Department has engaged in a "pattern or practice" of unconstitutional policing.
"No one should fear for their safety when interacting with law enforcement, particularly in their own community," Clarke declared during a press conference.
The investigation represents one of the first major civil rights probes under the current administration and could lead to court-ordered reforms within the department.
Community Response
In Montgomery, community leaders have organised nightly vigils while students at Morehouse have launched a campaign demanding justice for their professor. The college's president described Dr. Collins as "one of our most distinguished scholars" and called for swift accountability.
As the federal investigation unfolds, many are watching closely to see whether this case will become a catalyst for meaningful change in police practices across the region.
