In Greensboro, North Carolina, a viral video shows police officers using force against a suspect during an arrest, with the officers remaining on active duty despite the incident. The event has sparked public concern and an internal police investigation.
On the evening of Sunday, November 2, 2025, Greensboro police officers on proactive patrol encountered Nathaniel Williams, a 37-year-old Black man, sitting in a vehicle with marijuana visible on his lap. According to police statements, officers repeatedly ordered Williams to exit the car, but he refused to comply. The situation escalated when officers physically removed him from the vehicle and attempted to place him in handcuffs.
During the arrest, a struggle ensued, and Williams managed to free one of his hands from the handcuffs. Police allege that he then assaulted one of the officers, leading to a physical altercation. The viral video footage captures at least three officers pinning Williams to the ground, with one officer delivering multiple strikes to his back and shoulder area.
The Greensboro Police Department has defended the officers’ actions, describing the blows as “suprascapular strikes” intended to force Williams to release his arm, which he had tucked under his body to avoid being restrained. Department spokespersons emphasized that the use of force was necessary to gain control of the suspect and ensure officer safety.
Following the arrest, Williams was charged with two felony counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, one felony count of destruction of evidence, and five misdemeanors, including possession of marijuana. North Carolina law still criminalizes marijuana possession, adding a layer of legal complexity to the case.
The video has rapidly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread condemnation from community members and advocacy groups. Many have expressed outrage over the perceived excessive use of force and called for accountability. The Greensboro Police Department has acknowledged the public concern and confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing to review the officers’ conduct.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of national debates on police brutality and racial disparities in law enforcement. Similar cases in other cities have led to protests and demands for reform, highlighting the persistent tensions between police and communities of color.
The outcome of the internal investigation will be closely watched, as it could influence future police practices in Greensboro and beyond. Depending on the findings, the department may face pressure to implement changes in use-of-force policies or enhance transparency measures to rebuild public trust.