Mayor Michael Nutter said Thursday he has seen the video about 20 times and is "appalled," ''sickened" and "ashamed" by what happened.
The mayor formally apologized to the 39 year old mother of 4 who lives in Chester during a 20-minute closed door meeting.
"This was about a person, about a human being who has been injured in our city in a very graphic way, and I wanted to take a moment when the opportunity presented itself, to talk to her," said Mayor Michael Nutter.
The apology comes a day after police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announced Lt. Jonathan Josey was being suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.
A 36-second video on YouTube shows 39-year-old Aida Guzman being struck in the face and falling to the ground, her face bloodied, then being led away in handcuffs.
"I feel so happy when the mayor speaks to me," Guzman said.
Guzman's lawyer says she is satisfied with what he calls the Mayor's heartfelt apology on behalf of the city, but he would not rule out a possible civil suit against Philadelphia.
Even as Aida Guzman met with Mayor Nutter, a small group of activists held a rally outside City Hall to rally against police brutality and demanding Josey's arrest.
"This is unacceptable," said Vanessa Maria Graber from Occupy Philadelphia. "Violence against our people, routine violence, is unacceptable."
Police say people had been throwing liquid at officers during a celebration at the city's annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.
Prosecutors have withdrawn a disorderly conduct charge against Guzman, but may consider possible charges against Lt. Josey.
The 19 year police veteran left internal affairs Thursday after turning in his badge and service weapon.
The FOP is promising a legal fight to save his job and to provide lawyers to defend him if the District Attorney does bring charges.
