A retraction was made on this piece to correct information suggesting Jeremy Buendia was involved in the protests. In fact he was not a participant but in fact a bystander caught in the crossfire.
Jeremy Buendía is one among many who have been pepper sprayed during the nationwide protests.
We are truly living in dark times. Not only has the global health crisis ravaged the world, in the US protests have consumed the US over the vicious killing of George Floyd. The act of police brutality sparked the protests as many have come out to denounce the murder of George Floyd. Protests have been taking place in every major American city. The protest would look to have directly effected former Men’s Physique Olympia champion Jeremy Buendía.
During the protests the police have been utilizing a number of tactics against participants. One tactic is pepper balls (a form of pepper spray projectile). The former Olympia champion apparently felt the effects of the powerful non lethal weapon while protecting his friend’s restaurant from potential looters. While Buendia was not apart of the protest, he did feel the residual effects of the pepper spray shot by police.
You can also see Jeremy Buendia appear in this YouTube video documenting the protests in which he appears to be trying to prevent further fights and arguments from taking place.
https://youtu.be/pOY79qpXUrU?t=602
Protests continued all through the weekend in many major cities across the country. Many of these cities have imposed curfews to try and bring peace back into these areas of disruption. The internet has been ablaze with viral video after viral video showcasing looting, violence, and police brutality.
And while these protests are primarily focused within our own borders, the rest of the world has also taken part in peacefully protesting. Over the weekend demonstrators gathered in London, Berlin and Auckland, among other cities, to protest against police brutality in solidarity with the US crowds.
What are your thoughts on the current climate in the country as well as the tragic murder of George Floyd?
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
*Header image courtesy of Instagram
