A Fulton County high school student is speaking publicly after a tense encounter with a school resource officer on a school bus went viral, raising serious questions about the use of force involving students.
The incident happened on December 18 aboard a bus transporting students from Langston Hughes High School. The student, 18-year-old Lanier Johnson-Hunt, was involved in an altercation that escalated quickly and ended with an officer using a taser on him. Video footage of the moment spread rapidly online, prompting widespread reactions from parents, educators, and civil rights advocates.
Johnson-Hunt, now represented by nationally known civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, says the video shows exactly why he and his family are demanding accountability. According to Daniels, the footage clearly captures the intensity of the encounter and the physical actions taken against the teen.
“The video speaks for itself,” Daniels said while addressing the incident publicly.
Daniels claims that during the confrontation, the officer placed his hands around Johnson-Hunt’s neck and forced him back into the bus seat before deploying the taser at close range. This method, known as “drive-stun” mode, involves pressing the device directly against the body rather than firing the probes from a distance.
The attorney also revealed what appeared to be burn marks on Johnson-Hunt’s throat and chest, which he attributes to the taser’s use. According to Daniels, this mode can cause intense pain and visible skin injuries due to the electrical contact.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about how conflicts involving students are handled, particularly in confined spaces like school buses. Many critics argue that such situations require de-escalation techniques rather than physical force, especially when dealing with young people.
Supporters of Johnson-Hunt say the video raises concerns about whether the response was proportionate to the situation. On social media, viewers have questioned if alternative methods could have been used to resolve the altercation without resorting to a taser.
At the same time, officials have urged the public to avoid rushing to conclusions before a full review is completed. School districts and law enforcement agencies often conduct internal investigations following high-profile incidents to determine whether policies were followed appropriately.
Civil rights advocates say cases like this highlight a broader issue involving student safety, authority, and accountability. They stress the importance of transparency when incidents occur on school property or involve minors and young adults in educational settings.
While Johnson-Hunt continues to recover, his legal team says the goal is not only justice for him, but also change moving forward. “This is about making sure students are protected and treated fairly,” Daniels emphasized.
As the investigation continues, the viral video remains at the center of the conversation. For many, it serves as a reminder of how quickly situations can escalate—and why careful handling, clear policies, and accountability matter when students and authority figures interact.
The case has now drawn national attention, and its outcome could influence future discussions about student rights, school safety, and the appropriate use of force in educational environments.https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMDrTUJKT/
