An elderly protester who was violently shoved by two police officers in Buffalo, New York, last week is rehabbing his injuries.
Martin Gugino's lawyer, Kelly Zarcone, says her client's "brain is injured," but he is feeling better more than a week after the incident.
"He is starting physical therapy today which is definitely a step in the right direction," Zarcone said of Gugino. "As most of you know, Martin is a soft spoken but thoughtful and principled man. As heartbreaking as it is, his brain is injured and he is well aware of that now. Because of this, he told me that he is not interested in media interviews right now. He feels encouraged and uplifted by the outpouring of support which he has received from so many people all over the globe. It helps. He is looking forward to healing and determining what his 'new normal' might look like."
The two officers who are seen on video pushing Gugino were quickly suspended from the police force by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
Video shows Gugino fall backwards after he's pushed. His head smacks into the pavement and blood begins pooling around him as officers march past. One officer who bends down to help Gugino is herded away with the rest of the unit.
Gugino was hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
When asked about the incident, Governor Andrew Cuomo called it sickening. He encouraged the city to fire the two officers involved and he urged the District Attorney to charge them with assault.
As a result of disciplinary action, 57 officers resigned from the emergency unit but no the Buffalo Police force.
The city's police union president said the officers were "simply executing orders."
Mayor Brown said the suspended officers would get due process and that he would not call on them to be fired. He said they were told to clear the area prior to Gugino being pushed, but they were also instructed to protect residents during the demonstrations.
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