Charges To Be Filed Against Philly Cop Seen Hitting Protester

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia Police Inspector seen on a now viral video striking a 21-year-old Temple student protester is facing felony assault charges in connection with the incident, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said Friday.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said Philadelphia Police Staff Inspector Joseph Bologna will be charged with first degree felony aggravated assault, second degree felony aggravated assault, simple assault, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.

Bologna, who been involved in previous misconduct and corruption scandals according to WHYY, has been charged in connection with an incident involving a student who was struck in the head with a metal police baton during a protest earlier this week on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

The incident was captured on video and has been shared widely on the internet. As of 8 p.m. Friday, the video has at least 4.6 million views on Twitter.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Bologna was taken off street duty Thursday.

Video shows Bologna using a collapsible metal police baton to strike Temple University Evan Gorski, 21, in the back of his head during the protest.

The DA's office said Gorksi needed about 10 staples and about 10 sutures on his head following the incident.

Gorski was arrested by Philadelphia Police on the scene and was detained for more than 24 hours and was referred to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, the DA's office said.

However, the District Attorney Larry Krasner decided not to charge Gorski based on review of videos taken during the incident.

Video and photo evidence of violent interactions between law enforcement and protesters have been circulating widely since mass demonstrations against racial injustice began on Saturday.

"We are trying to be fair. Accountability has to be equal. This moment demands a swift and evenhanded response to violent and criminal acts based on the facts and evidence," Krasner said. "Americans are taking to the streets to demand a remaking of political, economic, and legal systems that serve the powerful at the expense of citizens’ health, welfare, and lives. There can be no safety or peace without justice. My office will continue to hold people who cause harm to others equally accountable."