The Nearly Eight Minute Video Captured The Assault Of Timothy L. Brown Of Brooklyn, Who Is Calling For Justice
A violent arrest captured on video inside a Brooklyn liquor store has renewed scrutiny of police conduct in New York City, even as crime rates remain historically low early in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration.
The nearly eight minute video, widely circulated on social media, shows two NYPD officers physically assaulting Timothy L. Brown on April 14.
Brown, who had no connection to the investigation, was mistaken for a suspect during an undercover narcotics operation.
Footage recorded by Abelee Moran shows Brown being punched, kneed, kicked, and dragged across the store floor by two officers, one in uniform and another in plain clothes. At one point, Moran can be heard shouting at the officers.
“Y’all violating the First Amendment for no reason,” she said.
Brown, visibly injured and bleeding, was eventually placed in handcuffs and removed from the store.
“I just thank God that I’m alive. That’s all I can say,” Brown told CBS News New York. “I know there’s a reason for everything and I know God’s watching and I want justice.”
Mistaken Identity During Undercover Operation
According to an NYPD spokesperson, undercover officers were responding to complaints about drug activity in the area. After purchasing crack cocaine from a suspect, officers began searching for an associate described as wearing a white shirt and green shorts.
Brown was wearing a white shirt and teal shorts at the time.
Despite having no involvement in the drug sale, Brown was arrested and charged with resisting arrest. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office later dropped all charges.
Officials Respond as Investigation Moves Forward
Mayor Mamdani addressed the incident in a public statement.
The violence used by NYPD officers in this video is extremely disturbing and unacceptable. Officers should never treat a person this way. The NYPD is conducting a full investigation into this incident. https://t.co/zdQllljhyh
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 15, 2026
“The violence used by NYPD officers in this video is extremely disturbing and unacceptable,” Mamdani said. “Officers should never treat a person this way. The NYPD is conducting a full investigation into this incident.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau is reviewing the case.
“Yes, I have seen the video. I have been briefed on it, and this matter is under internal review,” Tisch said. “I understand the community interest in it because it is an upsetting video.”
The officers involved have been reassigned to modified duty and have had their firearms removed.
Community Leaders and Police Unions Offer Differing Views
Community advocates have pointed to the incident as an example of excessive force and the impact of police errors on everyday residents.
Black Lives Matter Greater New York co founder Chivona Newsome said Brown’s injuries, which included a black eye and cuts, reflect the seriousness of the encounter.
“It’s traumatic to find out that this was a police mix up,” Newsome said. “The police beat, not a criminal, they beat a man going to the store in the middle of the afternoon.”
Police union leaders pushed back on early criticism of the officers’ actions.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said city leadership should wait for the investigation to conclude.
“We don’t know why the mayor is bothering to call for an investigation when he has already rushed to condemn the NYPD members involved without knowing all the facts,” Hendry said.
Detectives Endowment Association President Scott Munro added that narcotics work carries risks and requires split second decisions.
“NYPD detectives put their lives on the line daily,” Munro said. “We deserve all the facts before anyone rushes to judgment.”
Ongoing Review as Case Draws National Attention
The case continues to draw attention as investigators review the officers’ conduct and the circumstances that led to Brown’s arrest. For Brown, the focus remains on accountability.
The incident has placed renewed attention on how mistaken identity cases are handled and how force is used during arrests, particularly when the individual involved is not connected to the suspected crime.
