A North Carolina police officer has been fired after a viral video captured him repeatedly punching a Black woman during an arrest, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Former Shelby Police Officer Karson Hyder was terminated following the release of doorbell camera footage that appears to show him striking Cherrie Alan Moore multiple times while attempting to take her into custody. The incident, which occurred on May 29, quickly spread across social media and drew criticism from community members, civil rights advocates, and elected officials. According to reports, Moore can be heard repeatedly telling officers, “I don’t have a warrant,” as the encounter escalates. Video footage appears to show Hyder taking Moore to the ground before delivering approximately ten closed-fist punches to her head and face while she is pinned beneath him.
The video has become the focus of intense public scrutiny, particularly because a second officer can be heard repeatedly saying, “I got her,” while attempting to assist in restraining Moore. Critics argue that the punches continued even after additional assistance arrived on the scene.
Shelby Police Chief Brad Fraser publicly described the footage as “disturbing and inappropriate” and initially placed Hyder on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. By the following day, authorities announced that Hyder had been fired. Reports also indicate that the case has been turned over to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
The incident prompted protests outside the Shelby Police Department and in downtown Shelby, where demonstrators demanded transparency and justice. Many residents expressed concern about the level of force used during the arrest and questioned whether the actions shown in the video were justified.
As the SBI review continues, community members are awaiting answers regarding the circumstances that led to the arrest and whether any criminal charges will be filed. The investigation remains ongoing.
