Baton Rouge Police Shooting Caught on Video

Baton Rouge Police Shooting Caught on Video

[UPDATE: June 6, 2016 10:35 a.m.]

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the case of the police officer related shooting that resulted in the death of Alton Sterling will be investigated by the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division with assistance from the FBI.

Edwards said he found the footage to be "deeply disturbing" and called for any protests to remain peaceful.

Original story posted below.

A graphic video of a deadly encounter between two police officers and Alton Sterling is causing outrage on the morning of July 6. The video, shot on a witness’ iPhone, shows two police officers pin down Sterling, a 37-year-old black man, then shoot him as he lies on the ground.

Baton Rouge police say they came to the scene of a convenience store early Tuesday after an anonymous 911 caller reported a man threatening him with a gun. What happens after that is interpreted through several witness accounts. Information that has been confirmed by the city includes Sterling died of gunshot wounds to the chest and back and that the police department is investigating.

Police told CNN that they will be reviewing the video taken by the witness, but will also be checking on footage recorded by the convenience store owner, body cameras and dash cameras. Only the footage from the witness’ iPhone has been released at this time.

Police say the body cameras being deployed on the officers during the incident fell off during the incident.

A local congressman, U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, said in a statement he will call on the U.S. Justice Department to investigate.

"The video footage released today of the shooting of Alton Sterling by officers of the Baton Rouge Police Department was deeply troubling and has understandably evoked strong emotion and anger in our community," Richmond said.

As of the morning of July 6 the Baton Rouge Police Department has not released a statement.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.