JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 8, 2025) –– Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has joined calls for the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the violent assault of William McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old Black man, at the hands of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) officers. The beating, which went viral nationwide in July, shows officers striking McNeil multiple times and slamming his head to the pavement while he was unarmed and posed no threat.
McNeil suffered lacerations to his chin and lip, a fractured tooth, and a traumatic brain injury as a result of the assault. Despite the clear brutality captured on video, the State Attorney’s Office declined to hold the officers accountable and failed to even interview McNeil during its review.
“What happened to William McNeil Jr. is not only a personal tragedy, but also sends a devastating message to Jacksonville residents. When police brutality is caught on video and prosecutors still look the other way, it tells the community their lives don’t matter. That is why we are calling on the Department of Justice to intervene, because federal oversight is the only path left to restore trust and deliver justice.”
The request to the DOJ points out that the State Attorney’s report rationalized Officer Bower’s actions, ignored the fact that his initial punch to McNeil’s face went unreported, and relied on a claim that McNeil attempted to flee, which is contradicted by video evidence.
“It’s not just how violent and brutal these officers were. It’s that they were absolutely unapologetic because they knew no one was going to hold them accountable,” said Attorney Harry Daniels. “It’s clear that the State Attorney’s Office refuses to do anything about it. So we’re calling on the Department of Justice.”
Attorneys for McNeil are demanding that the DOJ investigate the use of excessive force and the systemic failures in Jacksonville to hold law enforcement accountable.
Click HERE for a copy of the DOJ request.
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF HARRY M. DANIELS, LLC
The Law Offices of Harry M. Daniels, LLC located in Atlanta, Georgia, handles civil rights cases throughout the United States as well as excessive use of force cases and wrongful death victims at the hands of law enforcement. Attorney Daniels has a proven track record seeking and securing justice for many whose rights have been violated.
