Posted on 03/25/2014 10:48:34 AM PDT by CedarDave
Mayor Richard Berry called it “horrific” and “unsettling.”
Several city councilors – on both sides of the aisle – said they were disturbed by what they saw.
The American Civil Liberties Union, a former district judge and the governor also weighed in.
Each called for a thorough, independent investigation into the Albuquerque Police Department’s shooting of a mentally ill homeless man, James M. Boyd, who was caught illegally camping in the Sandia foothills last week.
Video released by APD on Friday showed officers firing at the man, who was armed with two knives but appeared to be turning away from officers when shots rang out.
Debate over the shooting didn’t end at the New Mexico line, either, as the video attracted national attention. Viewers from across the nation commented on the video, which was picked up by the Los Angeles Times, the New York Daily News and other news organizations.
“I’ve seen the portion of video that the public has seen,” Berry said in an interview on Monday. “It’s horrific. It’s unsettling.”
Berry said the U.S. Department of Justice ought to look at the shooting and his administration has already offered to send over the information.
Federal investigators announced in November 2012 that they are examining whether APD has a pattern or practice of violating people’s civil rights, specifically through the use of force. Justice Department officials will be in Albuquerque on Wednesday to meet with community activists, who requested the meeting after the Boyd shooting.
“I think this is a circumstance they need to take a look at and make a determination on their side,” Berry said.
Justice Department officials have told the city to finish its investigation and forward its results.
(Excerpt) Read more at abqjournal.com ...
I know, I know, I know. But the way I look at it, God is in the best position to judge and punish. I couldn't live with myself if I, acting as a judge or juror senteneced an innocent person to death. And it does happen. With that said, if we absolutely must have a death penalty, then I would agree if the evidence is a clear-cut and undistputable video or photographic real-time recording beyond any reasonable doubt. By that standard, this guy should fry.
The charter member of that club, Alaska Wolf, was zotted a while back.
She shot him because she could. And she knew she would get away with doing it.
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