Killer cop not to be charged, may be fired. Birk vs Williams the woodcarver. SHAME

[uppityperson]

Beware anyone in Seattle. If you are walking along peacefully carrying a LEGAL folding pocketknife, a cop can get out of his car, run up behind you yelling "hey hey hey hey drop the knife" and if you don't figure out it is you that is being yelled at, if you don't figure out it is a cop who doesn't identify himself, you can be shot in 4 seconds of the first "hey". If you don't comply with some unknown unidentified person shouting behind you, you can be shot and it won't even be manslaughter.

If perchance you turn to see if it IS you being yelled at, or to see WHO is yelling, better have a BIG smile on your mouth because otherwise that "stern expression" can also get you shot.

The "community is watching closely"? No shit.


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014235279_policeshooting16m.html

King County prosecutors have decided not to file criminal charges against Seattle police Officer Ian Birk in the fatal shooting of woodcarver John T. Williams, sources familiar with the decision say.
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Shortly after, Seattle Police Chief John Diaz is expected to disclose at a news conference that the department's Firearms Review Board has reached a final decision that the Aug. 30 shooting was not justified, say sources briefed on the finding.

The board's conclusion, reached in private deliberations a few days ago, allows the Police Department to begin internal proceedings that could lead to Birk's firing or other discipline, the sources said. In October, the board reached a preliminary decision that the shooting was unjustified, sources said then
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At least two protests are planned for Wednesday over the decision not to file criminal charges against Birk. The Capitol Hill Blog said there would be a protest at City Hall at 4 p.m., and a Facebook event page announced a protest at 6 p.m. at Westlake Park in Seattle....(more@link)

[uppityperson]

1. kick, then off for the day.

[MadHound]

2. Criminal, absolutely criminal

What the hell is happening up there in Seattle, I thought it was one of the few sane places left in this country.

[nyc 4 Biden]

3. k&r

[uppityperson]

4. Birk resigned. Board "shooting was unjustified".

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014241632_policeshooting17m.html
"I have told you plainly that given the conclusions and the fact pattern that we determined and ultimately agreed to as part of the Firearms Review Board that these are among the most egregious failings that I have seen. And the image of John T. Williams to his family, to his community, even to the officers of the Seattle Police Department, are indelibly edged and etched in our minds with grief and regret.
(clip)

He said Williams' family plans to file a civil suit.

"It is like he is getting away with murder," said Nancy Williams, one of John Williams' sisters in Vancouver, B.C. "He's getting away with it. He is going to have a smirk on his face and he is going to go crazy with that gun, thinking he can get away with it. It really ticks me off. It shouldn't end that way."

[Tsiyu]

5. It feels horrible knowing

that humans chose to promote the idea - with this decision - that some lives have value and others have none.

[uppityperson]

6. For those who haven't seen it, here is the dashcam vid from cop car. Audio of shots

but you don't see him getting shot. Since Williams was shot 4 times in the side, it has been officially released that he was perpendicular to the cop, not lunging at him like liar Birk said. Watch the video. Tell me if the cop ID'd himself in any way while running up behind Williams.

Then tell me if carrying a pocketknife is legal in Seattle or not. (it is)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcxqyp2wOzE

[uppityperson]

7. WONDERFUL picture... "DON'T SHOOT!" signs on people's backs

Protesters march down Fourth Avenue on Wednesday night bearing a message for local police.


http://www.seattlepi.com/local/435630_shooting17.html

[uppityperson]

8. am glitchy tonight, sorry