Pennsylvania Police Officer Who Kicked Seated Protester Won’t Face Criminal Charges

District Attorney said protesters could have been charged with failure to disperse

Pittsburgh Police in riot gear intervene between a group of Black Lives Matter protestors confronting a group of Trump supporters while they wait along the Allegheny River North Shore for a flotilla of boats taking part in a boat parade for the re-election of President Donald Trump to pass by on July 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Penn. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

A Pennsylvania police officer who was seen on video kicking a protestor in Erie sitting on the street during clashes on May 30 will not face criminal charges, Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri announced on Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference, Daneri said the officer’s actions did not warrant prosecution. He added that the officer, who has not been identified by city officials, had the right to use that kind of force under the circumstances.