Video of 'Jacksonville Police Brutality' Goes Viral: Officers Manhandle Black Man over Traffic Incident

A video showing Jacksonville police officers violently detaining a Black man during a routine traffic stop has gone viral, igniting widespread anger and renewed debate over law enforcement conduct in Florida.

The footage, which was only posted on Instagram by @904will on Monday, has drawn over 260,000 views within hours. It shows officers shattering a car window, striking the driver, and forcibly removing him from the vehicle after a stop for allegedly not using headlights in broad daylight.

Shocking Arrest Sparks Outrage

The incident occurred on 19 February 2025 near Jacksonville's Woodstock neighbourhood. William McNeil Jr, 22, said on his post that he was pulled over around 4pm for driving without headlights, despite there being clear skies and no adverse weather.

In the video footage, McNeil can be seen calmly questioning the stop, stating there was no rain, smoke, or fog, and asking to see the relevant law.

After McNeil requested a supervisor, events escalated rapidly. The video shows an officer smashing McNeil's driver's side window with his fist, shouting at him to exit the vehicle.

When McNeil hesitated, police are seen punching him in the head, pulling him from the car, and pinning him to the ground while ordering him to place his hands behind his back.

Serious Injuries and Emotional Fallout

McNeil suffered significant injuries as a result of the arrest, including a chipped tooth, more than nine stitches to his lips, a concussion, and short-term memory loss.

'My tooth went through my lip,' he wrote in his post, describing how his injuries and the trauma from the incident have left a lasting impact. McNeil explained that he delayed sharing the footage because of the mental toll, but felt compelled to speak out.

Police Under Investigation amid Public Backlash

Following a surge of criticism online and from community leaders, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) confirmed it has launched an internal investigation.

'We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing a traffic stop represented to be from February 19, 2025. We have launched an internal investigation into it and the circumstances surrounding this incident. We hold our officers to the highest standards and are committed to thoroughly determining exactly what occurred,' JSO said in a statement.

According to police records, officers allege that McNeil became verbally combative and refused to provide identification, locking his car door and not complying with instructions. However, civil rights groups and many viewers argue the video shows a disproportionate and violent response to a minor traffic infraction.

Legal Action and Demands for Reform

According to The Sun, McNeil has since retained civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Ben Crump, who have both publicly condemned the officers' actions.

Ben Crump stated: 'It should be obvious to anyone watching this video that William McNeil wasn't a threat to anyone. He was calmly exercising his constitutional rights, and they beat him for it.'

Daniels described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of excessive force by Jacksonville police.

The video's release has prompted Florida lawmakers and advocacy groups to demand accountability. State Senator Shevrin Jones called the arrest a 'sickening reminder of systemic issues' within law enforcement, pointing to the questionable grounds for the initial stop.

Jacksonville Representative Angie Nixon has called for greater oversight and requested a full review from the Sheriff's Office, while local groups including the NAACP and Community Action Committee have demanded the release of all body camera footage and swift disciplinary action.

Renewed Focus on Police Conduct

The viral video has reignited national and local debate over police use of force, especially in interactions with people of colour. Community leaders say the case highlights the urgent need for transparency, better training, and reform in police practices. As the internal investigation continues, pressure is mounting on Jacksonville authorities to ensure accountability and restore public trust.