Cousin of bystander injured in police shooting criticizes officers for firing at knife-wielding man.
The recent release of video footage depicting New York City police officers shooting a knife-wielding man at a Brooklyn subway station has not quelled public outrage over the unintended shooting of two bystanders, one of whom sustained a head injury during the incident. The police department made the 17-minute edited video public on Friday in response to significant criticism surrounding the shooting.
The video, captured by body cameras worn by the officers involved and other surveillance cameras in the station and on a subway car, showcases a confrontation that commenced when a man, identified as Derrell Mickles, entered the subway system without paying. The footage shows two officers confronting Mickles about this violation, leading to him exiting through the turnstile while carrying what appears to be an open folding knife in his right hand, with the officers following closely behind. A subsequent encounter approximately 10 minutes later resulted in Mickles, an officer, and two bystanders being injured by gunfire.
The shooting incident, which occurred at the Sutter Avenue L station last Sunday, is currently under investigation by the Police Department’s Force Investigation Division and the Brooklyn district attorney’s office. Police officials and Mayor Eric Adams have defended the officers’ actions, stating that the shooting was justified as Mickles was armed and posed a threat to the officers. However, critics have condemned the police for overreacting and escalating a situation that initially involved a minor offense like fare evasion into a violent confrontation.
Among the critics are the family of Gregory Delpeche, one of the bystanders who was shot in the head during the incident. Delpeche, a 49-year-old hospital worker, remains in critical condition as of Friday. Following the release of the video footage, Delpeche’s family gathered near the Sutter Avenue station to watch the video for the first time before holding a news conference to express their concerns.
The shooting incident has sparked widespread debate and raised questions about police tactics and use of force in situations involving individuals with weapons. The public outcry over the shooting, especially the injuries sustained by innocent bystanders, has intensified calls for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies.
As investigations into the incident continue, the community awaits further developments and hopes for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The release of the video footage has provided crucial evidence for evaluating the actions of the officers involved and has fueled discussions about police accountability and the need for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: The NY Times
