Elizabeth City declares a state of emergency in anticipation of police killing footage release

(Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

By Curtis Brodner

(ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.) Elizabeth City Mayor Bettie Parker announced a state of emergency Monday as the local sheriff’s office prepared to release body camera footage of a police officer killing a Black man last Wednesday, NPR reported.

Peaceful protests immediately followed the killing of Andrew Brown Jr. The demonstrations have not resulted in property damage or arrests.

Little is known about Brown’s death, and the body camera footage should shed light on the killing.

Brown was shot in the head while police attempted to serve a warrant for drug charges, according to CNN. Police found no weapons or drugs in Brown’s house.

Emergency scanner traffic indicated Brown was shot from behind, according to the Associated Press. This possibility caused protesters and the Brown family’s attorney to demand the release of the body camera footage.

Seven sheriff’s deputies were placed on administrative leave after the killing, according to NPR.

In addition to the state of emergency declaration, the city is closing all government buildings, and city police are closing roads around the courthouse and sheriff’s office.

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