“A punch is something we actually train for in the police academy,” Shea said at the mayor’s daily press briefing. “A punch should not be assumed to be excessive force.”

Several lawmakers raised questions about NYPD de-escalation training and called for an investigation into the officers involved.

“Proper public safety interaction isn’t about ego. It’s about deescalation,” tweeted Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “This officer’s actions were unacceptable.”

“Regardless of what transpired before the video, what is the justification for the rage?” tweeted City Council Member Carlina Rivera “Where’s the professionalism and de-escalation tactics?”

Punching Isn’t Excessive Force, NYPD Commissioner Says

hmmm