April 29th 2024.
In February, Twyla Stallworth, a woman from Alabama, was arrested in her own home for refusing to show her ID. The whole incident was captured on bodycam and has since sparked a federal lawsuit against the City of Andalusia, Alabama, the city's police department, and the officer involved, Grant Barton. Stallworth claims that Barton unlawfully arrested her, illegally detained her, and racially assaulted her.
As reported by NPR, Stallworth, who is 40 years old, received an apology from the city's Mayor Earl Johnson after her charges were dropped. Mayor Johnson also stated that the officer had been disciplined for his actions in late February. In his statement, he said, "I want to apologize to Twyla Stallworth on behalf of the City of Andalusia and the Andalusia Police Department for her arrest in February... While the arresting officer has a clean record with our department, he made a mistake in this case. He has been disciplined."
The lawsuit, which was obtained by NPR, details Stallworth's account of the incident. She claims that she was assaulted, strip-searched, and jailed for 15 hours after calling the police to report a noise complaint coming from her neighbor's house. Stallworth is Black, and her neighbor is white. Her 18-year-old son, Jermari Marshall, was also present during the altercation. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of both Stallworth and her son, seeks unspecified damages.
According to USA Today, the lawsuit states, "As a result of this incident, Ms. Stallworth suffered humiliation, embarrassment, physical injuries, and loss of freedom." It also alleges that both Stallworth and Jermari have experienced mental anguish and a loss of enjoyment in life. In an interview with USA Today, Stallworth expressed how the incident has left her traumatized. "I am emotionally unstable at this point... I have been through a lot in my life, but something about this has really traumatized my mental state. I can't stop crying about it."
Stallworth hopes that this lawsuit will result in a change in behaviors, mindsets, and perceptions regarding race. She stated, "We need to change the way we see someone. They are not defined by the color of their skin, but by their mind, body, soul, and spirit. They are not their race, they are somebody. We need equality and justice for everybody."
In an interview with NPR, Stallworth expressed her concern about what else Barton could potentially do. She said, "If an officer like Barton is willing to illegally enter your home, assault you and your son, and put you in a cage, even though you have not broken any laws, then what else is he capable of?"
At a news conference on April 25th, Stallworth announced the lawsuit and called for change. She declared, "Enough is enough for Black people and the Black community. Stand boldly for your rights and always cover yourself. Have a camera and make sure you're recording because without evidence, you lose every time." She continued, "I have seen it on TV and watched the videos, but I never thought it would happen in my own home. I am grateful that I am able to stand here and speak to you today. I am grateful that my son is able to stand here because we could have both lost our lives."
This incident is just one of many examples of police brutality and discrimination against Black individuals. It is essential to continue speaking out and fighting for change to ensure that everyone is treated equally and justly, regardless of their race.
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