Alabama Cop Assaults and Arrests Black Woman After She Calls Out Racism

Officer Barton with ADPPhoto byYouTube

The quiet town of Andalusia, Alabama, has been in recent discussions of controversy as video footage surfaces of an altercation between Andalusia Police Department (APD) officer Grant Barton and 40-year-old Black woman Twyla Stallworth. The incident, which occurred on February 23, 2024, has sparked outrage and drawn comparisons to past instances of racial injustice in the state.

Stallworth's attorneys, led by renowned civil rights advocate Harry Daniels, released video evidence showing Officer Barton forcibly arresting Stallworth in her own home after she legally refused to provide identification. The encounter began when Stallworth called the police to report a neighbor's loud music disturbing the neighborhood peace. Despite multiple complaints, the police failed to respond until Stallworth resorted to setting off her car alarm to gain attention.

When Officer Barton finally arrived, he threatened to cite and arrest Stallworth for the car alarm, ignoring her previous complaints about the noisy neighbor. Frustrated by the lack of action and sensing racial bias, Stallworth pointed out the discrepancy between Barton's response to her complaint and his leniency towards the white neighbor. This exchange was captured on video by Stallworth's son.

The footage depicts Barton escalating the situation by demanding Stallworth's identification despite her being within her own home, where state law does not require such identification. Ignoring Stallworth's son's pleas for calm, Barton forcibly entered the home and physically assaulted Stallworth, ultimately arresting her on charges of obstruction, resisting arrest, and attempting to elude.

Attorney Harry Daniels condemned Barton's actions, emphasizing that calling out racism is not illegal, but using a badge to intimidate a mother is. The case draws parallels to previous instances of racial profiling and police brutality in Alabama, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the state.

As the investigation into the incident unfolds, the community watches closely, demanding accountability and justice for Twyla Stallworth and all victims of racial injustice. You can see the video below.