ACLU sues for access to squad video in July police shooting
Published 9:59 am Friday, September 2, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit demanding the release of squad car video in the July 6 shooting of Philando Castile.
Castile, who was black, died after a St. Anthony police officer shot him during a traffic stop. Video of the shooting’s gruesome aftermath was streamed live online by Castile’s girlfriend, who claimed Castile was shot after he told the officer he was armed and had a permit to carry.
Authorities have said they have squad car video. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension hasn’t released it, citing the ongoing investigation.
The ACLU says authorities’ refusal to release the video violates the state data practices act. The ACLU says squad car video is presumed to be public and should have been released immediately.