Protester claims unjust macing by NFTA cop

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - He was maced by an NFTA cop during an anti-war protest. The incident was caught on camera, and now on the eve of his court appearance, the protester is telling his story.

Nate Buckley said, "Injustice to anyone is an injustice to all."

It was a "Community Speak Out" Wednesday night for people who feel mistreated by police. It was organized after what happened to Nate Buckley on April 8th . You can see him in the video in the tan jacket being held by police, and standing still, but watch the NFTA Police officer directly behind him reaching for his mace and then reaching to Buckley's face and macing him while Buckley's hands were behind his back.

But also watch what led up to that. Anti-war protesters were asked by NFTA Police to step off of the wall, which is M&T Bank's property on Main near Huron. After Buckley did what they asked, he started a new chant, shouting, "Who's side walk? Our sidewalk!" At one point he yells in an officer's face, "So get out of here; we're asking you to leave!"

Seconds later, an officer begins to take him into custody. 30 seconds later he runs away, and when police catch him, he tries to pull away. He appears to resist for almost a minute, but stops about 10 seconds before the macing.

So why does Buckley think he was maced?

"Well, when I went in the car with them, they kept calling me a scumbag, long-haired hippie and you know, they said a lot of derogatory things and to me, it was in his personality that he enjoys things like that. We were being peaceful; that was our protest. We had no problem before the police arrived. And so I ask, is that right of ours," said Buckley.

Buckley is due in court on Thursday on charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of justice. As for the officer who maced him, the NFTA has empaneled a committee to investigate the incident and report its findings to the board of commissioners.