It started with a traffic stop in Jacksonville, Florida. Broad daylight. February 19, 2025. What happened next wasn't just another routine police interaction—it was a violent escalation that would eventually lead to a massive community response through the William McNeil Jr GoFundMe campaign.
If you've seen the video, you know it’s hard to watch. William McNeil Jr., a 22-year-old college student and youth mentor, was sitting in his car when officers shattered his window and punched him in the face. Honestly, the footage is jarring because of how quickly it goes from a conversation about headlights to a physical assault.
The community didn't just watch; they acted.
The Story Behind the William McNeil Jr GoFundMe
Why does a 22-year-old biology major need a $10,000 fundraiser? Because justice is expensive. And recovery? That’s even harder.
McNeil was driving home from mentoring local kids—something he takes a lot of pride in—when the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office pulled him over. The stated reason? Allegedly driving without headlights and not wearing a seatbelt. But here’s the kicker: it was 4:00 PM. The sun was out. McNeil’s own cellphone footage, which he had the presence of mind to record, showed the clear sky.
When he asked for a supervisor, things turned south fast.
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The officers didn't wait. They smashed the glass. They dragged him out.
By the time the dust settled, William had a concussion, a fractured tooth, and a lip that needed nine stitches. He was also facing charges like resisting an officer and possession of marijuana. While some of those were later dropped or settled with a two-day sentence, the damage was done. The William McNeil Jr GoFundMe was launched because the financial weight of this "routine" stop became a mountain he couldn't climb alone.
What the Funds Are Actually For
People often wonder where the money goes in these viral campaigns. It's not just a "legal fund." It's a "put my life back together" fund.
- Medical Bills: Concussions aren't cheap to treat. Neither are fractured teeth or facial stitches.
- Legal Fees: Fighting a system that already cleared the officers of criminal wrongdoing requires high-level representation. Ben Crump and Harry Daniels are on the case, but the costs of a federal civil rights lawsuit are massive.
- Auto Repairs: If you've ever had a car window smashed by a baton, you know it's not just the glass—it's the interior damage and the trauma of sitting back in that same seat.
- Living Expenses: The psychological toll made it almost impossible for William to keep his steady job at a home restoration company.
Basically, the money is a bridge. It's there to help him survive while he tries to figure out if he can even return to Livingstone College for the Fall 2025 semester.
The Controversy and the Video Evidence
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office hasn't exactly been apologetic. Sheriff T.K. Waters claimed the viral video didn't show the "full context." They alleged McNeil reached for a knife on the floorboard.
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But the community isn't buying it.
The William McNeil Jr GoFundMe grew specifically because the video evidence seemed to contradict the official police report. In the footage, McNeil's hands are visible. He's asking questions. He isn't being aggressive. When the State Attorney’s Office released a report saying the officer's "distraction strike" (that’s a fancy word for a punch to the face) was "credible" and served a "tactical purpose," the internet exploded.
It's that gap between what people see on video and what the official reports say that drives these types of fundraisers. It’s a form of mutual aid. When the legal system says "no charges," the public says "here’s $15,000 to help you fight anyway."
Why the Support Still Matters
William wasn't just a random guy on the road. He was a drummer for two local churches. A mentor. A guy who took a year off school to help his family financially.
When a person like that gets caught in a violent encounter, it rattles the whole neighborhood. The fundraiser, managed by Lavett Boger on William's behalf, has become a symbol. It's a way for people to vote with their wallets against what they see as racial profiling and excessive force.
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There's a deep sense of frustration in Jacksonville. The demand isn't just for money; it's for policy change. People are calling for a civilian oversight board and the termination of the officers involved, like Officer D.J. Bowers.
But until those systemic changes happen, the William McNeil Jr GoFundMe remains the most direct way for the average person to offer a safety net to a young man whose life was flipped upside down in less than five minutes.
How You Can Take Action
If you’re following this story and want to know what’s next, there are a few concrete steps you can take.
- Verify the Source: If you choose to donate, always ensure you are on the official GoFundMe page titled "Support for William: A Journey for Justice and Healing." There are often "copycat" fundraisers that pop up during viral moments.
- Follow the Legal Case: The federal civil rights lawsuit filed in September 2025 is the next big hurdle. Keeping eyes on the court proceedings ensures the case doesn't just fade away once the news cycle moves on.
- Support Local Oversight: If you live in the Jacksonville area, look into the petitions for a Public Safety Committee or a civilian oversight board. These are the structural changes William’s legal team is pushing for.
- Share the Footage: Awareness is the only reason this case got national attention. Continuing to share the story helps keep the pressure on the State Attorney’s Office to revisit their findings.
At the end of the day, William is just a 23-year-old trying to get his life back. He’s dealing with short-term memory loss and PTSD from the event. Whether it’s through a donation or just sharing his story, the goal is to make sure he doesn't have to carry that burden by himself.