On May 30th of 2020, U.S. Democratic representative Joyce Beatty joined protesters gathered to speak out against police brutality in downtown Columbus.

At some point during the protest, a police officer pulls a man from the group standing on the sidewalk and moves to subdue him. It is at this point that Joyce Beatty actually reaches out and strikes the officer. This is clearly visible in video taken by protesters.

This occurred just moments before police officers deployed their pepper-spray which is the only coverage this incident received- "Police Pepper-Sprayed a Congresswoman, Joyce Beatty."

Just like police officers, we expect those in positions of authority to be morally upstanding, even more so than the average citizen. In order to be charged with assault of an officer, the person in question must: cause injury (or threaten or attempt to cause injury)
1. to a law enforcement officer
2. who was performing official duties, and
3. the defendant knew or had reason to know the victim was a law enforcement officer.

Our political affiliations aside, Joyce Beatty needs to be held accountable and, as citizens of her district, we should not accept anything less than her stepping down from her position as a representative and taking responsibility for her unlawful and hateful acts.