Cop Tells Black Motorist 'This Is How You Guys Get Killed' During Traffic Stop [Video]

Miami-Dade County, Florida, -- A Florida officer is under investigation after a video showed him telling a Black motorist that "this is how you guys get killed" during a traffic stop. The video of the encounter has gone viral on social media, with many criticizing the officer for allegedly threatening the driver.

Gerardson Nicolas was pulled over by an unidentified Miami-Dade Police officer for not wearing a seatbelt while he was driving to his work in North Miami Beach last week.

The video of the encounter, which was posted on TikTok with the caption "Being Black in America is a crime," shows an officer opening the door of Nicolas' vehicle and asking him to take out his driver's license.

While Nicolas searches for his license in his wallet, the officer could be heard saying: "Give me your driver's license, registration and insurance. If not you will not be going to work today. Simple thing man. This is how you guys get killed out here, man."

Shocked by the officer's response, Nicolas asks "What? Say that again? Say what you just said" while handing over the license. The officer then says "Registration and insurance" and slams the door, while Nicolas asks him "What do we get killed for?"

Nicolas said he decided to record the incident as he was scared for his life. "I was scared, I was scared. I didn't think my life was going to make it," he told NBC News.

The video has initiated a heated discussion online, with many criticizing the officer for threatening the man even when the latter was cooperating with him.

"Please take him to court; don't let this slide," a person commented on the video. "The anger the officer displays, especially when he tries to slam the door shut is telling. The unprofessionalism is through the roof!" another viewer wrote.

However, some users said maybe the officer was referring to how not wearing a seatbelt can kill the driver.

"Try reading the entire incident he's clearly talking about those refusing to wear a seatbelt. These false accusations take away from the actual law of racism," a TikTok user wrote.

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Police has initiated an internal investigation and will be reviewing 30 minutes of body camera footage of the incident. The officer in question was moved from patrol duty to desk duty, reports said.

"Rest assured we are committed to transparency and community trust and will address all matters of public concern equitably, fairly, and in accordance with applicable laws," the department said in a statement.