Two Buffalo Police officers have been suspended without pay following an incident in Niagara Square following a protest.

While clearing Niagara Square after the city’s curfew began at 8 p.m., a 75-year-old man was injured. Police say he tripped and fell, but Mayor Byron Brown has since said he was “knocked down” by Buffalo Police officers.

A 7 Eyewitness News reporter captured video showing the aftermath of the incident. Protesters can be heard reacting to the man’s fall. The man is now in stable but serious condition at Erie County Medical Center.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood has ordered the suspension of the officers involved in the incident.

Shortly after 11 p.m., Brown released the following statement:

Tonight, after a physical altercation between two separate groups of protesters participating in an illegal demonstration beyond the curfew, two Buffalo Police officers knocked down a 75-year-old man. The victim is in stable but serious condition at ECMC. I was deeply disturbed by the video, as was Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood. He directed an immediate investigation into the matter, and the two officers have been suspended without pay. After days of peaceful protests and several meetings between myself, Police leadership and members of the community, tonight’s event is disheartening. I hope to continue to build on the progress we have achieved as we work together to address racial injustice and inequity in the City of Buffalo. My thoughts are with the victim tonight.

According to police, four people were arrested for disorderly conduct charges for blocking traffic. Another person was arrested during a “skirmish with other protesters” and was also charged with disorderly conduct.

The curfew in the City of Buffalo is in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through and including Sunday.

— 13 WHAM