Prosecutors Clear Florida Deputy in Violent Arrest of Black College Student

 

Prosecutors in Florida have announced they will take no further action against Officer D. Bowers of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in connection with the February arrest of Black college student William McNeil. The arrest gained national attention after cellphone footage surfaced showing officers punching and dragging McNeil from his vehicle during a traffic stop. The State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit concluded that Bowers’ actions did not constitute a crime, describing the stop as lawful and the use of force as justified. According to the investigative report, Bowers initially stopped McNeil for failing to turn on his headlights and wearing no seatbelt after seeing his SUV parked outside a residence under surveillance for suspected drug activity. Prosecutors say McNeil repeatedly refused a dozen lawful commands to exit his vehicle, provide his license, or comply with orders. While the viral cellphone video captured the physical altercation, officials argued that body-worn camera footage provided crucial context about the events leading up to it. Sheriff T.K. Waters previously stated that the video circulating online did not show the full story. The arrest has nonetheless sparked outrage and renewed debate over police conduct, racial profiling, and the use of force during routine stops.

Germany’s conservative-led government has suspended Afghan relocation plans while reviewing migration policy. Foreign Minister Wadephul says his ministry is in “high-level contact” with Pakistani officials to protect affected individuals and provide rapid assistance to those deported or arrested. The interior ministry says decisions on the programme are expected soon but has given no firm timeline. The NGOs’ lawsuit adds to over 80 separate legal actions filed by affected Afghans seeking the government’s approval for visas. In several cases, German courts have ruled in their favour, but the interior ministry has appealed those decisions. Rights groups say the government’s delay has left vulnerable Afghans stranded in dangerous conditions. Lawyer Victoria Lies, who represents several at-risk individuals, says some clients have been split from their families, with children sent back alone. The situation in Pakistan has worsened for Afghan refugees since Islamabad’s decision to expel both undocumented and documented Afghans. International organisations, including the UN, have warned of severe human rights violations awaiting deportees in Afghanistan. For now, the fate of more than 2,000 Afghans approved for relocation to Germany remains uncertain, with campaigners urging urgent intervention before more are forced back into Taliban-controlled territory.

See also: Russian Judge Brutally Killed in Suspected Jealousy Attack