Lawmakers demand justice for Adam Toledo: ‘His hands were up. He was unarmed ‘

Lawmakers demand justice for Adam Toledo: ‘His hands were up. He was unarmed ‘

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Democratic lawmakers on Thursday demanded justice for 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who fatally shot Chicago police.

The calls come after the Chicago Civil Office of Police Accountability (COPA) was held accountable released footage of the encounter.

The video raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, as officials earlier accused Toledo of having a gun. However, the video shows how Toledo appears to be surrendering and has nothing in his hands before police shoot him in the chest.

The incident is sparking new calls for police reform, as it comes during the ongoing murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with the death of George Floyd that caused nationwide protests this past summer.

It also comes as the US struggles with the death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, who was stopped by police at a stop on Monday.

Sen. Dick DurbinDick DurbinSchumer warns Democrats can not allow GOP to keep the broad agenda, Yates’s main letter that Biden selects for the civil rights section at DOJ Biden’s gun control poses danger to mediocrity (D-Ill.) Said on Twitter: “Adam Toledo was a seventh grader at Gary Elementary School in Little Village. His whole life presented itself to him. My heart breaks for his family and friends, who are saddened by the loss of his young life. ”

“Far too many black and brown men and women have lost their lives due to cruel acts of racial injustice,” he continued. ‘All the evidence shows that we are dealing with a system of justice that is not being applied equally – and we need to change that. ‘

Sen. Tammy DuckworthLadda (Tammy) Tammy Duckworth Overnight Defense: Biden officially announces Afghanistan’s withdrawal plan Probe finds problems using DC Guard helicopters during June, Biden argues to address Erika Moritsugu as the new Asian American and Pacific Islander Duckworth DOJ asks to investigate a ‘violent’ police treatment of the national guard officer. (D-Ill.) Also expresses her condolences and adds: ‘No parent should ever have to lose a child like that, and no child’s life may end like this. Ever. ”

“If we really want to be the Land of the Free, every American must feel safe and able to live,” she said.

Several House representatives also demanded justice for Toledo.

Rep. Brad SchneiderBradley (Brad) Scott Schneider Democrats see opportunity in GOP feud with business Democrats have a growing tax problem with Salt. Look to the future of our country’s supply chains MORE (D-Ill.) Call Toledo’s death “a tragedy for his family and our community.”

“We as a society have let him down. “We can not bring Adam back, but we can strive for a world where no 13-year-old can reach such a tragic end,” he said.

Rep. Marie Newman (D-Ill.) Said ‘Reform alone cannot rectify this. Public safety MUST be about funding for housing, schools and so much more than just the police alone. ”

“The current system has let Adam down,” she said.

In the video, an officer can be seen chasing Toledo down a street while shouting ‘stop first’ before stopping a large gap in wooden fences.

The officer demands to see Toledo’s hands, and the teenager slowly turns with both of his hands towards the officer in a clear surrender.

The officer shouts ‘drop’ twice before shooting Toledo in the chest, although no gun is clearly in his hand. There is also no gun visible when other officers show up and start administering CPR.

Rep. Karen BassKaren Ruth Bass Shocking murder renews tension over police. 10 Democrats join NAACP against Trump’s lobbying world MORE (D-Calif.) – who sponsored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which passed the House last month, said: “Adam Toledo was 13 years old. Those responsible for the rest of his life from him must be held accountable. ”

Rep. Ro KhannaRohit (Ro) KhannaOvernight Defense: Biden makes his decision in Afghanistan to allow Biden to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11th. Biden’s defense budget criticized by Republicans, both progressive. (D-California) said the U.S. should determine that power should be used only as a last resort.

‘Adam Toledo was 13 years old. His hands are up. “He was unarmed,” he said. ‘This footage is heartbreaking for any parent. Like other great democracies, we must adopt a standard that power can only be used as a last resort. ‘

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