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Police conduct in Taser incident is questionable

Posted 5/15/15

To the Editor: When I first watched that painful video where a disagreement turns into an argument, and then to physical contact, and ultimately to the woman being tasered, I had mixed emotions about …

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Police conduct in Taser incident is questionable

Posted

To the Editor:

When I first watched that painful video where a disagreement turns into an argument, and then to physical contact, and ultimately to the woman being tasered, I had mixed emotions about the ordeal.

I know the Border Patrol agents have a tough job and walk a fine line to try and balance the freedom of its citizens while protecting them from others who intend us harm.

I thought both parties in that videotaped confrontation handled the situation poorly. However, the Border Patrol agent’s use of the Taser was reckless and unnecessary.

That’s why I was delighted to read the NorthCountryNow.com headline on Monday, May 11, that read: “Homeland Security agents visit home of woman who was Tased while she attended SUNY Canton graduation”

But I read it wrong. These Homeland Security agents went to her home to secretly take pictures of her property, vehicles, etc. while she was at her graduation ceremony. According to the article, they initially denied taking pictures until they realized they themselves were being filmed, then they changed their story. (see NCN article for details).

The Homeland Security agents claimed they were there because they wanted to speak with her once she retained an attorney.

Ok. So why go to her home when they knew she wouldn’t be there? Why take pictures of her (dad’s) car then?

The videotaped confrontation where the woman is tasered says it all - case closed. It was a tough situation but the Border Patrol agents acted like bullies and should be reprimanded. Border Patrol should apologize to the woman who was tasered. That is all.

But instead we now have this clandestine campaign to investigate the victim? Perhaps to try and dig up dirt on her and/or shudder her into silence?

Homeland Security (and Border Patrol) should go back to investigating actual enemies rather than law abiding US citizens.

Brian Mandigo

Ogdensburg