LAKELAND, Fla. — Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the Lakeland Police Department Saturday evening demanding a response after a video showed a minor struck by officers. 

The video was shared with Spectrum News, as well as on social media, and appears to show a minor hit multiple times in the face by officers, knocking the minor to the ground. 

Carl Soto, a spokesperson for the family of the person in the video, said the individual being struck by police was visiting friends at an apartment complex.

He said the minor suffered multiple injuries from the actions of the officers. 

“We have to send a message that law enforcement was not above the law and they do not have the right to violate our Black children,” he said. “So we are joined by Jahmal’s family, his mother, who was too distraught to speak, but she is standing in solidarity. She’s here to send a message that she is not okay. She is angry and outraged that her son’s safety is now in jeopardy.” 

According to the affidavit from Lakeland Police, officers received a call that people who did not live at the apartment complex were in the pool. 

Once on scene, police identified the minor as someone who did not live at the complex. 

It adds several commands were given to the minor to leave or he would be arrested. 

Police said the minor was given lawful orders to exit the property or be arrested but ignored commands and as they guided him to a wall. 

The minor began to flail with his arms almost striking police and then struck the arresting officer in the face with a closed fist.

Police shared a statement with us that said the chief of police has requested an administrative review. 

Protesters said they plan to be back at the police department every Saturday until action is taken.