BLM protester punched by cop after turning violent

The Saturday protest in Wilkinsburg was held in honor of Jim Rogers, who died after police officers used a stun gun on the 54-year-old man in connection with an alleged bicycle theft last fall, according to WTAE.

Black Lives Matter protesters blocked streets in the city, and remained there even after Wilkinsburg police officers told them to move off of the roadway.

In video taken of the altercation between the officer and BLM protesters, one demonstrator began yelling at the officer as he stepped out of his vehicle, telling the group to step out of the street.

"It is our right," the protester said in response to requests for the group to leave the street. The group began chanting, "No justice, No peace, F*ck these racist a** police," at the officer, who is black.

That same protester was seen getting in the face of an officer after they appeared to be talking with whom the protester said was her daughter.

It was at this point that the officer began to attempt to arrest the protester, which was when Vuestro Merced stepped between the two, pushing the officer away.

As the two continue to struggle, the officer eventually appears to punch Merced in the face, dropping the protester to the ground, as an officer with a police canine wearing a muzzle got close. Officers eventually arrests Merced, as well as the other female protester.

According to WTAE, the two that were arrested have been released from custody.

In one Twitter post, a user can be seen raising money for Merced through a Cash App link.

The Justice for Jim Rogers organization, told WTAE:

"We are not interested in engaging with the police or various municipalities' narratives of dividing so-called good protestors from so-called bad ones. Any one on the ground at the march today, who has to experience the police attack us, or are now viewing it through it’s being shared on the press or social media can see clearly that those who wield violence are the police."

"We stand in solidarity and send love to the people who were harmed and arrested, Jim Rogers family, and those who have had to bear witness to this horrible incident in our community. We will continue to care for one another and fight for Justice for Jim Rogers and for all victims of police brutality and anti-Black violence."