22-year-old black man Darren Hunt may have been running away from police officers when they shot him in the back, according to autopsy results. According to Saratoga Springs police officers, Hunt lunged at them with a sword before they shot him, but none of the shots were in his front.
Officers described Hunt as carrying a "samurai-type sword," but it was a harmless 3-foot plastic souvenir with a rounded edge.
The above statements -- that he was shot in the back while running away, and that he was carrying a plastic sword -- are consistent with witness reports from the scene of the shooting. Whether racism, age discrimination or other factors led to the officers' decision to shoot, the result is the same: a tragic loss of life at the hands of trigger-happy police. Sadly, this is becoming all too common, and police need to know that taking a life should never be considered lightly. Please sign the petition to urge the Saratoga Springs Police Department to conduct a full investigation and fire any officers who acted inappropriately.
We, the undersigned, are concerned with the recent shooting death of 22-year old black man Darren Hunt.
Hunt may have been running away from police officers when they shot him in the back, according to autopsy results. According to Saratoga Springs police officers, Hunt lunged at them with a sword before they shot him, but none of the shots were in his front.
Officers described Hunt as carrying a "samurai-type sword," but it was a harmless 3-foot plastic souvenir with a rounded edge.
The above statements -- that he was shot in the back while running away, and that he was carrying a plastic sword -- are consistent with witness reports from the scene of the shooting. Whether racism, age discrimination or other factors led to the officers' decision to shoot, the result is the same: a tragic loss of life at the hands of trigger-happy police. Sadly, this is becoming all too common, and police need to know that taking a life should never be considered lightly. We respectfully urge you to conduct a full investigation and fire any officers who acted inappropriately. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
