buffalo protester
The elderly Buffalo protester knocked to the ground by cops in a viral video that has become an international symbol of police brutality was "asked to leave numerous times . . . after the curfew," the city's mayor said.

Explaining why he had yet to fire the officers seen pushing Martin Gugino, 75, to the ground, where he hit his head and bled onto the pavement, Mayor Byron Brown said, "I don't want to jump ahead of the investigation. It is very important for officers to know they are getting due process," according to WBEN Radio.

Brown referenced violence, vandalism, looting and fires being set during protests in the city, then described a "volatile" situation between protesters and police when Gugino approached the officers.

"He was in the area after the curfew. One of the things that happened before was conflict among protesters and there was a danger of fights breaking out, and police felt it was important to clear that scene for the safety of protesters," said Brown.

State Police will be brought in to assist Buffalo after 57 cops, the department's entire Emergency Response Team, resigned in solidarity with the two officers who were suspended over the altercation with Gugino, the mayor said.

"Our residents in every section in the city of Buffalo will be protected," Brown said, vowing police would also protect "everyone who is peacefully protesting."

Gugino is recovering in the hospital.