The US has condemned the beating and detention of a 15-year-old Palestinian-American by Israeli police after a massive social media campaign exploded in cyber space decrying the actions and hypocrisy of Israeli authorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can confirm that Tarek Khdeir, an American citizen, is being held by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem. [Tarek Abu Khdeir ] was visited by an official from the US Consulate General in Jerusalem today,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0US State Department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said in a\u00a0press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n The US is\u00a0\u201cprofoundly troubled\u201d<\/em>\u00a0by reports that the teenager was\u00a0\u201cseverely beaten while in police custody\u201d<\/em>\u00a0while visiting Israel on vacation from Tampa Florida, and strongly condemns\u00a0\u201cany excessive use of force.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe are calling for a speedy, transparent and credible investigation and full accountability for any excessive use of force,<\/em>\u201d Psaki said.<\/p>\n A shocking video of the brutal attack that was\u00a0leaked<\/a>\u00a0on the internet, showing Israeli police officers savagely beating the 15-year-old cousin of Mohammad Abu Khdeir who was burnt alive in East Jerusalem, has prompted outrage in the Palestinian community.<\/p>\n Caught on camera: Israeli police beating 15yo cousin of murdered Palestinian teen (VIDEO)<\/a><\/p>\n His family has issued a\u00a0statement<\/a>\u00a0saying that\u00a0\u201cTarek is in dire need of medical attention and his family is calling for his immediate release after this brutal beating and arbitrary arrest.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n