(Laurel, Miss.) A video released by the Hattiesburg Patriot News Media on Facebook that records the shooting of a black man last year by a Laurel Police Department officer is apparently one reason protesters have gathered near the courthouse and city hall today. The shooting took place last May, and a civil lawsuit was filed against the city of Laurel and the police department several months later.

The video of the 2019 incident was released Monday evening, June 8, and reveals some footage that may be disturbing to viewers. The victim of the gunshot, Mekail Thomas, is shown being stopped by officers and then being asked to exit his vehicle a short time later. After officers inspect a pill bottle, one of them can be heard saying that "I gave you a chance to be honest” before attempting to handcuff Thomas. A brief struggle ensues and then Thomas tries to run away before being shot in the back. He was also tased.

While lying on the ground handcuffed, the video released by the HPNM shows the shooting victim screaming in pain and complaining that his legs are going numb.

“Y’all shot me for nothing. You know I ain’t got no gun,” he told the policemen.

One or two of the officers replied to Thomas that he shouldn’t have had his hands in his pants as he was fleeing. You can view the video here (https://www.facebook.com/HattiesburgPatriot/videos/289821872062796/?v=289821872062796). 

The protesters, who numbered from 50-100 people before lunch today, gathered near the courthouse in downtown Laurel. They were singing some and engaging in a peaceful demonstration. Some of them wore shirts with “BLM” or “Black Lives Matter” and held signs conveying that same message. 

The protest in Laurel is one of many that has been organized across the country after the death of George Floyd, who died while in the custody of Minneapolis Police Department officers. An officer there pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes immediately prior to Floyd’s passing away. His tragic death sparked a national outrage. Floyd is being buried in Houston, Texas, today.