MIAMI (AFP) — Videos posted on the Internet Tuesday show police shocking a Florida university student with a controversial electric stun gun during a speech by US Senator John Kerry, prompting the former presidential candidate to express regret over the incident.
The footage shows the young man yelling Monday evening as four policemen pull him out of the University of Florida hall where Kerry spoke, and administering the shock as the student screams "Don't Tase me," referring to the popular Taser electroshock weapon.
The student, identified as Andrew Meyer, apparently got upset when his microphone was shut off as he asked a lengthy series of questions. As officers carried Meyer away, Kerry could be heard saying he would answer the questions.
Officials at the university in Gainesville said Meyer had used up his allotted time for speaking.
Meyer asked Kerry about impeaching US President George W. Bush and whether he and Bush had been members of the secret "Skulls and Bones" society when they studied at Yale University.
"In 37 years of public appearances, through wars, protests and highly emotional events, I have never had a dialogue end this way," Kerry said in a statement.
"I regret enormously that a good healthy discussion was interrupted," he said.
"I asked the police to allow me to answer the question and was in the process of responding when he was taken into custody. I was not aware that a Taser was used until after I left the building. I hope that neither the student nor any of the police were injured," Kerry added.
The student was held overnight by police and released on Tuesday.
Two officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, according to University of Florida President Bernard Machen.
Tasers and other electric stun guns have sparked huge controversies in the United States as opponents to their use by law enforcement officials claim they have caused numerous deaths.
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