‘Racism at its finest’: Patriots player slams Providence police after traffic stop

Christian Barmore called the Providence police "unprofessional," while the department said his behavior was "belligerent."

A Patriots defensive lineman accused police of racially profiling him Wednesday after he was pulled over, according to reports.

Providence police pulled over Christian Barmore, 25, just before 1 a.m. Wednesday morning near Elmwood and Parkis avenues. His Jeep Grand Cherokee had “window tint all around,” and “plate cover on the temporary registration, causing issues on reading the information,” police said, according to The Boston Globe.

Barmore then “had an attitude towards police” and handed over paperwork “in an aggressive manner,” the Globe said. Police discovered that his temporary registration had expired Oct. 5, and said his vehicle would be searched and towed.

“Your car is getting towed regardless,” an officer told Barmore, the Globe reported. “How the rest of the stop goes is [up to] your behavior.”

Providence police released body camera footage of the traffic stop, where Barmore appeared agitated. He said he was driving “10 mph,” and said the police pulled him over “for no reason.”

“I’m from Florida, I’m not even from out here, y’all, I play football out here for the Patriots,” Barmore said. The police officer asked him to be respectful.

In another clip of the footage, he can be heard yelling expletives at officers and telling them not to touch him. According to the Globe, the police report called Barmore’s behavior “belligerent.”

Barmore took to X quickly after the incident to condemn Providence police’s conduct.

“I just experienced for the first time 5 Providence cops being very unprofessional racism at it’s finest,” Barmore, 25, posted on X at 1:22 a.m., according to the Globe. The post has since been deleted.

Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez Jr., in a statement acquired by the Globe, defended the conduct of the officers who pulled Barmore over.

“We understand that any encounter with law enforcement can be stressful, however, it’s important to note that officers are required to enforce all applicable laws, including those related to vehicle registration,” Perez said. “We will continue to review the situation to ensure that proper procedures were followed and to maintain transparency with the public.”

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about the incident during a press conference Wednesday.

“We’re aware of the situation,” Mayo said. “I had a conversation with him this morning. Like I said, at least for this time here with you guys, I just want to focus on Jacksonville,” referring to the Patriots’ upcoming game this weekend.

Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.