Mary Bowerman

USA TODAY

A video showing a California police officer pointing a gun at a passenger for nine minutes during a traffic stop is causing outrage on social media.

The Campbell Police Department said the officer pulled over a speeding driver on July 28. In video captured by the driver and later uploaded online, an unidentified officer points a gun at a male passenger, who repeatedly says his hands are where the officer can see them, the Mercury News reported.

“Why are you still pointing the gun at me, bro?” the man asks.

Campbell police Capt. Gary Berg said in a statement that the officer asked the woman who was driving for her license and registration, and the occupants in the car began looking for the paperwork.

According to the statement, the officer told the passengers to wait in the vehicle while he walked back to his vehicle to write a citation.

"It was at that time that the passenger began reaching under his seat. It is not clear why the passenger chose to reach under the seat since the officer was not requesting any other paperwork," according to the statement.

“Unfortunately, the passenger’s unexpected movement toward the bottom of the seat caused the officer to perceive a threat and draw his handgun,” Berg said.

Berg said that authorities viewed the officer's body camera footage, which gave more context to the situation and showed the conclusion and what led to the firearm being pulled, AP reported. He said the officer was waiting on backup officers, who were stuck in traffic, which added to the lengthy stop.

Berg said the incident ended amicably with the officer explaining the situation and the passenger apologizing.

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