clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Police Tase Man At Pirates Game (Video)

There's a lot about this video that's unclear, but what is clear is that it was a rough opening weekend for security personnel at PNC Park. At the home opener, some idiot ran onto the field and then mocked the security personnel who were chasing him by dodging them with silly jukes; he was eventually captured and led away. And then there was this on Saturday:

↵

↵

Here's part of the explanation from the fan who shot the video:

↵
↵

Anyway, after throwing the elbow, the police officer discharged his taser, which appeared ineffective. You can hear the electricity in the video. The USA jacked man seemed to mock the officer. Going 'ohhh' when he was tased. That's when the officer hit him. You can watch the rest of the video and make your own judgements.

It set off a string of USA chants and at least one more arrest that I saw. There were also several other verbal arguments that broke out. Security was everywhere for the last three innings.

↵
↵

It's hard to tell from the video whether the officers' use of force was justified, and it's hard to know what to make of the crowd shouting "USA!" For whatever it's worth, there's an account in a comment thread over at Bucs Dugout that makes it sound like the guy had it coming. Either way, though, I'm sure security is something the Pirates will be watching very closely in the coming weeks.

↵

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.