An Indianapolis man was arrested and handcuffed following a physical altercation with deputies at a City-County Council meeting this week. Jamaal Shabazz, 28, was taken into custody after allegedly refusing to leave the meeting and attempting to strike a deputy.
The incident occurred during a presentation by Marion County Chief Tanya Terry regarding the police department's proposed $400 million budget for 2027. The meeting became tense as attendees interrupted Terry's remarks, demanding accountability following the July death of Dalys Jett, a 21-year-old college football player who was shot by Indianapolis officers. Police initially stated Jett had shot two officers, but later corrected this to say one officer was struck by a colleague.
During the September 9 hearing, as Terry spoke about Jett's death, the room repeatedly erupted with shouts from attendees. "I vow as chief to be open and transparent through good and bad," Terry stated. "It is not appropriate to have this case tried in the court of public opinion."
City-County Councilor Leroy Robinson, chair of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, paused the proceedings and directed deputies to remove disruptive individuals. When one attendee laughed during the commotion, Robinson ordered deputies to escort him out as well. The situation escalated when the individual, identified as Shabazz, began shouting at deputies, "Don't f***ing touch me!"
Video footage from the meeting shows deputies pushing Shabazz through an exit door, causing him to fall to the ground. Deputies then pinned him and handcuffed him. According to the Sheriff's Office, this action was necessary because Shabazz allegedly pulled away and refused to place his hands behind his back. Shabazz, however, told the Mirror Indy that deputies began touching him as he was gathering his belongings to leave, which prompted his reaction.
Shabazz was reportedly charged with resisting law enforcement and interfering with public safety. He has informed the Mirror Indy that he has obtained legal counsel. The Marion County Sheriff's Office stated that a court summons has been issued to Shabazz, who has not yet received a court date. Authorities told the Mirror Indy that the arrest was based on Shabazz's repeated refusal to follow orders and his physical resistance against deputies. Approximately 25 people were reportedly asked to leave the building during the meeting, but no other arrests were made.
Councilor Carlos Perkins commented on the evening, stating, "I think tonight is an example for me of a community that's lived under tension, under pressure, and oftentimes our voice and our frustration is interpreted as violence."