Alabama man dies after police kneel on his neck during arrest

In Alabama, an unarmed 52-year-old man named Phillip Reeder died after a police encounter where an officer kneeled on his neck. This tragic event occurred on August 6, 2024, early in the morning, after police were called to the scene due to Reeder exhibiting erratic behavior while wandering in and out of traffic. His wife, Sandra Lee Reeder, reported that the police were dispatched after a medical emergency was reported by one of Phillip's colleagues. The situation escalated quickly, as Reeder ran from the officers upon their arrival, prompting police to deploy a Taser to subdue him. Once restrained and handcuffed, Reeder was laid on his stomach, where an officer placed his knee on the back of Reeder's neck for over three minutes. Sandra reported that her husband was heard pleading, 'I can't breathe,' multiple times during this period. After being rolled onto his back, he was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at a local hospital. The investigation into Reeder's death has raised significant concerns among his family and their legal representatives, drawing comparisons to the highly publicized death of George Floyd in 2020, which ignited nationwide protests regarding law enforcement practices and accountability. The family's attorney, Harry Daniels, stressed that the primary difference in the two cases was race, highlighting the disturbing trend of excessive force being used against individuals even under unknown circumstances. In the aftermath of Reeder's death, local authorities, including the city of Irondale, have characterized the events differently, maintaining that police actions were justified due to Reeder's initial resistance and perceived threat to himself and others at the time. Despite these assertions, the coroner officially ruled Reeder's death as a homicide, which has led to demands for a closer examination of police protocols and handling of similar situations in the future. The family is seeking justice and accountability for what they believe to be an unnecessary loss of life, citing the principle that even if Reeder committed a minor offense, a lethal response was unacceptable. The body camera footage, which has not yet been publicly released, remains a source of contention, as authorities have cited laws protecting such recordings given the ongoing investigation. Reeder's two sons have expressed their dismay and anguish over the circumstances surrounding their father's death, pleading for transparency from the police department and a change in how officers approach individuals in crisis. Reeder's case comes at a pivotal moment as communities across the United States continue to grapple with the implications of police use of force and the urgent need for systemic changes in law enforcement practices. The call for justice is not only focused on the immediate incident but also reflects broader societal issues, emphasizing the necessity for thorough discussions about the appropriate use of force and the protection of civil rights. As investigations proceed, many hope that this case will lead to essential reforms that could prevent future tragedies and preserve the dignity and lives of those interacting with police.