Jacksonville Sheriff Faces Scrutiny Over Viral Traffic Stop, Officer Under Investigation

The viral video of William McNeil Jr.'s violent arrest during a Jacksonville traffic stop has ignited nationwide outrage and discussions about racial profiling and police use of force. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing McNeil, asserting the incident is a clear case of "driving while Black" and demanding the immediate termination of the deputies involved. Sheriff T.K. Waters has publicly defended his officers, stating that McNeil refused to cooperate and locked himself inside the vehicle, which led to the officers breaking the window and removing him by force, and emphasized that no laws were broken according to the State Attorney's Office. Waters held town hall meetings addressing community concerns, acknowledging the need for accountability and transparency while underscoring support for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. The body camera footage was released with the officer's consent amid ongoing criminal and administrative investigations, and the officer involved has been stripped of his badge. Community members and activists continue to call for justice, with some rallying outside City Hall and demanding a balanced investigation into the use of excessive force during the stop.