LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) – – While Lancaster city officials are investigating, many community members say they are disturbed by the video of a police officer tasing a man who was sitting on a sidewalk. 

The video, which has been shared thousands of times on Facebook, shows the officer tasing 27-year-old Sean Williams. Police say Officer Bernot did this because Williams wouldn’t listen to instructions.

“We’re disturbed and outraged by the excessive force that was used,” said Eliza Booth, who works at Lancaster Stands Up. “It was totally unnecessary.”

The Lancaster Police Department, which declined WHTM’s request for an interview, released a statement saying that if someone refuses to stick their legs out straight, it may be a sign they are preparing to fight or flee officers.

Many community members and thousands on social media say it was excessive use of force. 

“Knowing that this is my home and that’s happening here is very unsettling,” said Taylor Enterline, who works at Lancaster Stands Up.

A group of people at the scene told police that Williams had been acting increasingly erratic over the last few days and threatened to fight with neighbors. Williams had an outstanding warrant for his arrest on drug and public drunkenness charges. 

“Like you, when I saw the video, I was upset by it,” said Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace. “We take the use of force very seriously. There is an investigation that has already commenced.”

“There are some good policemen out there who serve and protect, but we can’t ignore that some people and some police abuse their power,” said Enterline.

Booth, who had lived in Lancaster for 20 years, says she wants change. She doesn’t want her 11-year-old son to have to be afraid of the police. 

“This incident happened to be caught on video, which is now exposing what we know has been happening over the last several years,” said Booth.

Lancaster Stands Up is teaming up with other local organizations for an event demanding an end to police brutality. It is happening Friday at 5:30 p.m. on the steps of the Lancaster County Courthouse.

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