Civil rights leaders rally behind New Jersey teenager Kye Husain in viral fight video in Bridgewater mall

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (WABC) — Civil rights leaders rallied behind a New Jersey teenager on Wednesday who they say was the victim of racial bias and excessive police force during a fight at a mall that went viral.

Lawyer Ben Crump has been joined by members of the National Action Network as they seek justice for 14-year-old Kye Husain.

The arrest of the 8th grader was filmed after a fight at the Bridgewater Commons shopping centre, and police can be seen kneeling on his back as he is handcuffed, while the other teenager involved – who has a lighter complexion – sits on a couch and watches nearby.

RELATED | Bridgewater community rally outside police department, demanding officers be disciplined

This teenager has never been handcuffed.

Police have launched an internal affairs investigation, but there have been calls for the officers to be disciplined.

Kye’s aunt, Enrie Simms, says he stood up to a high school bully who bullied his 7th grade friend.

“He did exactly what we all taught him to do, and he met not one but two knees in the back as the attacker towered over him,” Simms said.

The video shows the older teenager pointing his finger at Husain’s face. Husain pushes his hand away, the other teen pushes Husain and they start fighting.

RELATED | NAACP calls for officers in viral NJ mall fight video to be disciplined

The other teenager attacks Husain, punching him repeatedly before the two uniformed officers arrive.

The Somerset County Attorney’s Office is also involved in the investigation.

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