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After reviewing the footage I took today, I have elected not to post it, as I don't think it adds anything new to the narrative that I cannot simply describe using my words. So I will describe/transcribe the conversation.
I had a conversation with one of the cops involved immediately after the shooting. I had my phone out recording. He was aggressively trying to explain to the crowd what had happened, and asked me to make sure I record the gun on the ground next to the man.
Me: Are you aware that what you did is illegal under the new policy set by the Mayor? That brandishing your weapon like that escalates the situation?
Badge 4843: He shot himself.
Me: But you came running him up with your gun pointed at him
4843: He murdered someone
Badge 4843: He shot himself.
Me: But you came running him up with your gun pointed at him
4843: He murdered someone
Me: That's an illegal use of force.
4843: *silence*
He turned toward others in the crowd, continually pointing his finger at his mouth and making a gunshot motion while saying "He shot himself. He shot himself in the head."
4843: *silence*
He turned toward others in the crowd, continually pointing his finger at his mouth and making a gunshot motion while saying "He shot himself. He shot himself in the head."
(technically the use of force is not illegal YET and I'm not sure why my brain latched onto that. Later it switched to "None of you are wearing masks. What the fuck." The officer I said that to responded, inches from my face, "we're outside.")
But largely, here's my takeaway: They could've de-escalated the situation. They could've figured out a way to bring this man in alive. The way they hopped out with guns drawn said to me they didn't care about alternatives.
Which is why Frey's new policies are not enough.
Which is why Frey's new policies are not enough.
