The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of a black man during an arrest by white police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
A graphic video of the shooting recorded by a witness inside a nearby car has been shared widely on social media.
US Correspondent Rachel Silverman has this report.
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It began with an anonymous call to emergency number 911, with a report of threatening behavior by a man with a gun outside a convenience store.
Two white officers responded, encountering Alton Sterling…a black man who was selling CDs in the parking lot.
The store owner reportedly told police Sterling was not causing any trouble.
But the videos show the officers pinning Sterling to the ground, someone yelling he’s got a gun, and at least one of the officers shooting Sterling in the chest.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is calling for a full investigation.
CLIP GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS
“I have very serious concerns The video is disturbing to say the least. “
The video does not appear to support the claim that Sterling was threatening the officers with a gun.
Family members, elected officials, and civic leaders say they want to know why Sterling was killed.
Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is urging people to stay calm.
CLIP MAYOR KIP HOLDEN
“We are doing our best to make sure we get all the answers.”
The Baton Rouge Police Chief is asking anyone who witnessed the encounter to contact the police.
CLIP POLICE CHIEF CARL DABADIE
“If you have any information including photos, video footage or if you witnessed the alteration, we urge you to come forward.”
Meanwhile at least one member of the local chapter of theNAACP has angrily called for the Baton Rouge police chief to be fired.
In addition to local police, the US attorney's office, the FBI and state police will be involved in the investigation.
Both police officers have been put on administrative leave. Alton Sterling reportedly had a long criminal history. He was a 37 year old father of five.
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