Police shooting of Louisiana man under investigation

Essential question - Why is it necessary in a free society for all Americans, including black people, to be treated fairly by law enforcement?

An officer-involved shooting that led to the death of a black man in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday night has once again ignited protest over the treatment of black Americans by police.

The U.S. Justice Department announced it will open a civil rights investigation into the incident after a video widely circulated on social media showed police officers restraining 37-year-old Alton Sterling on the ground before opening fire.

The Baton Rouge Police Department said Sterling had a gun on him at the time of the shooting, but many people have questioned the officers’ justification for using deadly force when Sterling appeared to be restrained. Both officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.

Sterling was a registered sex offender who had been living in transitional housing since his release from prison six months ago, according to Kevin Litten, a reporter for The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

“He was working a part-time job as a cook. He was selling these C.D.s sort of as a little side entrepreneurial gig. And in the other time that he had, he was trying to see his kids,” Litten said.

Sterling’s family held an emotional press conference Wednesday. Quinyetta Mcmillon, the mother of one of his children, promised to pursue justice.

“It will not go unnoticed, especially for the future,” she said. “I, for one, will not rest or not allow him to be swept in the dirt.”

Key terms

deadly force — generally defined as physical force which, under the circumstances in which it is used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury

body camera — a video recording system worn on the body, especially by law enforcement officers

civil rights — the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality regardless of sex, race or religion