Local and federal agencies are launching joint investigations into the fatal shooting of a man by a Tulsa police officer last Friday.
During a news conference Monday with police, city and community leaders in attendance, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma announced the Department of Justice has already opened an independent and parallel investigation into the use of force by the Tulsa Police Department during the fatal encounter with Terence Crutcher.
U.S. Attorney Danny Williams senior announced the DOJ investigation will be separate from the investigation involving the Tulsa Police Department and the Tulsa County District Attorney's office.
SPECIAL SECTION: The fatal shooting of Terence Crutcher
"The department will determine whether a federal civil rights violation occurred," Danny Williams, US Attorney, said. "The investigation will include a comprehensive review of events surrounding the September 16 shooting that resulted in Mr. Crutcher's death."
The investigation into any possible federal civil rights violation will involve assistants with the U.S. Attorney's office here in Oklahoma, as well as the resources of the Department of Justice Civil Rights division in Washington, D.C. The Federal Bureau of Investigation will also be utilized to study the actions of the police officers involved in the deadly encounter, as well as their use of force.
"The Justice Department is committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will devote whatever resources necessary to assure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations will be fully and completely investigated," Williams added.
With the goal of seeking justice on behalf of the family and the public, Williams pledged to work closely with the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa County District Attorney's office.
During the same news conference, District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler stated that his office will work to protect the "integrity of the investigative process."
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