At least 100 protesters met Saturday evening at City Hall in Downtown Baton Rouge to call for police reform and justice for 37-Alton Sterling who was shot and killed by two BRPD officers last Tuesday.
Protesters chanted “no justice no piece,” and “the racist police,” while holding signs up saying “black lives matter” and “hands up don’t shoot.”
Then protesters peacefully marched to the State Capitol.
At the steps of the Capitol lawmakers and activists spoke to the crowd, including Democrat and Rep. Ted James.
The BRPD officers involved in the shooting were identified last week by BRPD Police Chief, Carl Dabadie, as Blaine Salamoni, a four-year veteran of the force and Howie Lake, a 3-year veteran of the force.
Both appear to be seen in graphic cell phone video purportedly wrestling Sterling to the ground and then several shots were fired.
In the past, both officers faced two complaints for use of force, but were cleared by the Internal Affairs Division, according to service records obtained by NBC News.
Currently, the officers are on paid administrative leave.
The Department of Justice is looking into the case to see if Sterling’s civil rights were violated, while, the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office are also investigating the case.
The East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore could bring charges against the officers, but has said he will wait on the federal investigation to conclude.
This move has left many in our city upset, including Rep. James who addressed protesters at the Capitol.
“Honestly I am frustrated that there isn’t an arrest yet because I know even with the federal government here, our district attorney can make the decision to make an arrest right now. The other side of the federal government here right now is that we have kind of given him an out, and I have encouraged the community if they continue to have that same frustration, they need to write his office, call his office because he still has that authority,” said Rep James.