A disturbing surveillance video showing six police officers forcibly removing a 71-year-old man from a government building has triggered a wave of public outrage and an internal investigation within the department.
The incident took place in Portland, Oregon, when the elderly man, identified as Charles Reynolds, was visiting a municipal building to file a complaint about property damage. What began as a verbal disagreement reportedly escalated when staff called security, leading to a confrontation that now has many questioning the officers’ actions.
Video footage released online shows Mr. Reynolds standing near the entrance, appearing agitated but not aggressive. Within moments, several officers surround him. The situation quickly intensifies as one officer grabs his arm, and others move in, eventually dragging the elderly man through the doorway and out onto the sidewalk.
Witnesses nearby can be heard shouting for the officers to “stop” and “be gentle.” One bystander later told local reporters that the man had simply “raised his voice out of frustration” but didn’t pose any threat. “He was upset because he felt ignored,” the witness said. “Next thing you know, six cops are on him. It was painful to watch.”
Police officials later released a statement describing the incident as a “use of minimal force to remove a non-compliant individual,” but the phrasing has only fueled further criticism.
“The public deserves answers,” said Attorney Rebecca Hall, who has since volunteered to represent Reynolds’ family. “This was not an arrest. This was a senior citizen being humiliated and physically mishandled for expressing frustration. It’s completely unacceptable.”
Mr. Reynolds was reportedly treated at a nearby hospital for minor bruising and high blood pressure but was released later that evening. His daughter, Lydia Reynolds, said her father has lived in the community for over 40 years and has always respected law enforcement. “He’s never even had a speeding ticket,” she said tearfully. “Now he’s afraid to go back to city hall.”
The police department has confirmed that all six officers involved are currently under internal review and that bodycam footage has been submitted to the district attorney’s office for evaluation.
Community leaders have called for de-escalation training and accountability following the incident. “We keep seeing these unnecessary escalations,” said activist Marcus Lee, head of the Portland Civil Rights Coalition. “When six trained officers can’t calmly handle one senior citizen, something is very wrong.”
Online, the footage has gone viral — shared across platforms with millions of views and thousands of comments demanding justice.
“No one should be treated this way — especially not someone’s grandfather,” one user wrote.
Another added, “This isn’t ‘escorting.’ It’s embarrassing and cruel.”
As of now, Mr. Reynolds’ family has filed a formal complaint, and the mayor’s office has promised a full, transparent investigation.
“We expect professionalism and compassion from our officers,” the mayor’s statement read. “This case will be handled with the seriousness it deserves.”
For many, however, the video speaks louder than words — and serves as yet another reminder of how easily trust between the public and police can be broken.
admin