BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — 75-year-old Martin Gugino, the protester in Buffalo that was knocked down by two members of the Buffalo Police Department, is expected to be released from the hospital within the next two weeks, his attorney tells CNN.
In a statement to CNN Gugino's attorney, Kelly V. Zarcone, Esq. of Lipman and Zarcone, PLLC, said Wednesday he will be moved to a rehabilitation floor of the hospital and is expected to be released within two weeks.
“His condition continues to improve and we hope he will be released within the next 2 weeks,” she said in a statement.
In an additional statement sent Thursday, Zarcone says Gugino is beginning physical therapy.
"As heartbreaking as it is, his brain is injured and he is well aware of that now," she said. "He is looking forward to healing and determining what his “new normal” might look like."
The two officers accused of knocking Gugino down, 32-year-old Robert McCabe and 39-year-old Aaron Torgalski, were suspended without pay and were charged with with assault in the second degree Saturday.
The incident has drawn international attention, with President Donald Trump tweeting about the incident Tuesday.
Friends of Gugino have come forward to defend him and describe the kind of man he is.
Buffalo Police are now under the microscope and facing harsh criticism for their handling of the incident, 7 Eyewitness News senior reporter Eileen Buckley spoke with three law enforcement experts who provide a perspective for those who are hired to protect and serve.
