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November 4, 2014

Utah: Police Shooting of Black Man with Costume Sword Deemed Justified 
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Prosecutors in Utah have ruled two Saratoga Springs police officers were
justified when they shot dead an African-American man carrying a sword
as part of a Japanese anime costume. County Attorney Jeff Buhman said
22-year-old Darrien Hunt swung his sword at officers, who opened fire.
Hunt then ran away, and the officers chased him, ultimately shooting him
six times. Buhman said police feared for their lives and for public
safety. But Hunt's family has vowed to file a civil rights lawsuit. They
say the sword was a replica with a dulled edge which was purchased at a
novelty shop.

 

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