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March 25, 2014

New Mexico: Video Shows Police Shooting Homeless Man After He Appears to Surrender 
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Protests are planned in New Mexico today after Albuquerque police shot
and killed a homeless man who appeared to be surrendering. James Boyd
was sleeping at a campsite in the Sandia Foothills last week when police
arrived. Video from a police helmet cam show officers deploying a flash
grenade and then firing at Boyd from yards away after he picks up his
belongings and turns away. Police fire beanbags and deploy a police dog
as Boyd lies on the ground, pleading with them not to hurt him and
saying he can't move. Police Chief Gordon Eden said the shooting was
justified after Boyd threatened the officers with knives. But
Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry rejected the chief's assessment.

Mayor Richard Berry: "He's new in the chief position, but that's no
excuse. I think he was — you know, shouldn't have said that. I
think what we all need to do in a horrific situation like this is we
need to thoroughly and comprehensively go through the process."

The Albuquerque Police Department already faces federal scrutiny after
carrying out three dozen shootings since 2010.

 

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