Elizabeth City under state of emergency ahead of body cam release in Andrew Brown Jr. case
Photographer-Casey Toth
The Mayor of Elizabeth’s City declared a state of emergency following the releasing of body cam footage. The new curfew is set from 8pm- 6am. The emergency comes after a police shooting and killing of a black man Andrew Brown Jr. Deputies conducted a search warrant and arrest for Brown on felony drug charges.
After the incident, lawmakers and civil rights leaders have called for the public release of the deputies body cam footage. Brown was a convicted felon with a history of resisting arrest. According to chief deputy Daniel Fogg said in a video statement, “ Our training and our policies indicate under such circumstances, there is a high risk of danger.”
The Family of Brown was able to see a 20-second clip of the shooting, Attorney Chantel Lassiter said the footage showed that he didn’t move toward deputies or use a weapon, and they fired rifles and handguns as he attempted to back away.
A witness neighbor Demetria Williams claims she heard gunshots and saw more than 14 shell casings on the ground.
Sheriff Tommy Wooten said the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation was taking over the case, and as of Tuesday the FBI launched a civil rights investigation related to Brown’s death.
An independent autopsy released Tuesday showed Brown was fatally shot in the back of the head by a deputy. His family and attorneys have called it an execution. The autopsy also showed an additional four gunshot wounds to Brown’s arm.
Seven Pasquotank County sheriff’s deputies were placed on leave following Brown’s death. And three others resigned, but a spokesperson has said the resignations weren’t linked to the shooting.
On Wednesday, a Superior Court judge denied petitions for the release of body camera videos to the public and the family until an investigation is complete.
Ever since Brown’s death, peaceful protesters march everday through the streets of downtown Elizabeth City, chanting Brown’s name and calling for justice.
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