Contact: Sue Udry, sue@rightsanddissent.org or 301-325-1201
The Silver Spring Justice Coalition, an organization of Montgomery County community residents and local groups, releases the following statement:
We are deeply concerned by the Howard County State’s Attorney’s decision that the fatal shooting of Mr. Robert White on June 11 by Montgomery County police officer, Anand Badgujar, was legally justified.
Since the fatal shooting, the Howard County State’s Attorney’s office has not provided any information surrounding the encounter between Mr. White and Officer Badgujar.
It remains unclear why the officer stopped a man out for a walk in his own neighborhood and how a situation materialized in which the officer chose to shoot Mr. White instead of engaging in de-escalation actions that would have brought about a peaceful resolution.
We demand again that public officials immediately release all evidence and information that led to this decision, including but not limited to: the Howard County investigation report, Montgomery County police records, statements from the officer, witness testimony and statements, and unedited video footage.
Black people like Mr. White are more likely to be stopped, frisked, and arrested in this country, and they are more likely to face violence at the hands of police officers than white people. Black people who have disabilities face a double jeopardy.
Montgomery County is not an exception to this troubling pattern. The residents of our county and Mr. White’s family deserve better.
ACLU Maryland
ACLU Maryland, Montgomery County chapter
Jews United for Justice
John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church – Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Zacharias – Pastor
Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition
Racial Justice Committee of Progressive Action Montgomery County
SURJ MoCo
Takoma Park Mobilization-Ending Mass Incarceration