“Since Friday’s verdict in the Stockley case, protests in St. Louis have been largely peaceful and nonviolent.
However, from eyewitness and filmed accounts, we continue to see the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department engage in unacceptable, unlawful and unconstitutional behavior.
Several videos from Sunday night show a police officer backed a police car into a crowd.
This was not only dangerous, it was criminal. We ask that Mayor Lyda Krewson identify this officer and immediately remove him from active duty until there is a complete investigation.
Police also unlawfully detained and arrested people, used excessive force and unconstitutionally broke up a peaceful assembly of people.
The ACLU of Missouri is exploring all legal options to ensure the safety and constitutional rights of the people.
We urge everyone to ask themselves a bigger question: Why are these protests happening?
This region—and our country as a whole—have seen too many deaths caused by police, with little accountability for the officers or department involved. While many police officers act respectfully toward those they serve, we must acknowledge how regularly communities of color experience racial profiling and abuse from local law enforcement, including here in the St. Louis region.”
-- Jeffrey A. Mittman, executive director, ACLU of Missouri