NAACP call for federal investigation of Darrien Hunt shooting death
The Salt Lake branch of the NAACP is calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting death of Darrien Hunt by two Saratoga Springs police officers.
The announcement comes one week after Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Buhman ruled that Saratoga Springs Police Cpl. Matt Schauerhamer and officer Nicholas Judson were legally justified in using deadly force against the 22-year-old man.
Investigators say they shot and killed Hunt after he lunged at them with a samurai sword but the family maintains he was shot six times in the back and presented no threat.
The chief of the department, however, insists his officers followed proper protocols. The family and supports suggest otherwise.
“Were there other ways that Darrien Hunt could’ve been stopped without shooting him in the back?” asked NAACP Salt Lake Chapter President Jeanetta Williams.
Looking forward, Williams says they’re pushing for all Utah police officers to wear body cameras. She says the NAACP wants to take the lead in providing cultural sensitivity training to the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
Do you feel the shooting death of Darrien Hunt was justified? Is there a rise of police brutality or just more social media attention? Comment below!
