Colorado Governor Appoints Special Prosecutor To Investigate Elijah McClain’s Death

TOPLINE

As public pressure mounts over last year’s death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain in Aurora, Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the case, marking the latest incident to rise to scrutiny nationwide over police use of force.

KEY FACTS

Crucial Quote

“The pain, frustration, and anger that his family and many Coloradans are feeling from his death is understandable and justified. Whenever someone dies after an encounter with law enforcement, the community deserves a thorough investigation. Our investigation will be thorough, guided by the facts, and worthy of public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system,” Weiser said in a statement.

Key background

Floyd died on Memorial Day after a then Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for roughly 8 minutes, despite Floyd’s cries that he could not breath. Following an international outcry, and as protesters pushed to “defund the police,”  municipalities across the country and members of Congress have been reexamining policing. While efforts in Congress to craft legislation have stalled amid partisan debate, some jurisdictions already have taken action. The Louisville Metro Council voted unanimously to ban no-knock police warrants, similar to the one issued by plainclothes officers who killed Taylor. Other cities are looking at banning or severely limiting the use of chokeholds and other neck restraints.

further reading

The Denver PostGov. Jared Polis to examine options for state intervention into Elijah McClain investigation
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