Shooting of Anthony Weber

On February 4, 2018, Anthony Weber, a 16-year-old African-American male, was fatally shot by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in Westmont, California.[1] Deputies came to the scene because they received a 911 call. The caller claimed someone had pointed a gun at him.[1] The deputies claimed that Weber reached into his waistband so they shot him over ten times.[1] Deputies did not find a gun on Weber.[1][2]

Shooting of Anthony Weber
DateFebruary 4, 2018
LocationWestmont, California
TypeShooting

Aftermath

Days after the shooting amid rising tension in the community, a meeting was called between the Sheriff's department and the community.[3] At the meeting, tensions were high between members of the community and law enforcement.[4][3] Members of the Weber family demanded to see the gun.[3] John Weber, Anthony's older brother, asked Captain Chris Bergner if the family and community were "due something?" Bergner replied: "absolutely not."[3] The meeting ended in jeers after the response. The next day, Bergner claimed he could not hear the question and thought the question was "Don't you think we are doomed?" Xavier Thompson, a member of an oversight commission, responded: "We will not settle for spin."[3]

Reaction

Family

Weber's family were upset as his body remained in the street uncovered for hours after the shooting.[2] Chris Bergner from the Sheriff's department, claimed that Weber was "a local gang member in the area," but Weber's father has denied that allegation.[5] The Weber family also denied the allegation that Weber was armed with a gun.[6]

Members of the family and local activists have demanded an independent investigation by the California Attorney General's office. Najee Ali, speaking for the Weber family, said "Last night's sheriff's meeting was outrageous and a waste of time."[7] She went on: "The family, as well as many civil rights leaders, feel no trust in the Sheriff's Department to investigate their own. That's why today the family, along with civil rights leaders, are calling upon California's Attorney General Javier Becerra to investigate."[7]

Protests

After the shooting, activists in Los Angeles protested the shooting of Weber.[8] Activists from Black Lives Matter have protested Weber's death.[9][5] During 2018 NBA All-Star Game weekend, activists continued to protest Weber's death.[10][11]

Sheriff's department

The day after the shooting, the Sheriff's department had a press conference at the Hall of Justice. The Sheriff's department played the 911 call that brought deputies to the scene.[12] Bergner defended the actions of the deputies involved in the shooting and characterized Weber as a gang member.[12] The Sheriff's department claims the gun may have been taken.[13]

A week after the shooting, Jim McDonnell (sheriff) acknowledged the possibility that Weber was not armed when he was shot.[7]

References
  1. Balsamo, Michael (6 February 2018). "Anthony Jacob Weber: LA Sheriff's department shoot dead black teenager and say someone removed gun from his body". Independent. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  2. "Emotions Run High After Deputies Fatally Shoot 16-Year-Old Boy". 2018-02-05. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  3. Lau, Nicole Santa Cruz, Maya (9 February 2018). "A teenager killed by deputies, a missing gun and community rage". latimes.com. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  4. Radio, Southern California Public (2018-02-08). "Anger erupts at emergency meeting over teen killed by deputies". Southern California Public Radio. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  5. Helm, Angela. "A Community Reels After the Police Killing of 16-Year-Old Anthony 'A.J.' Weber in Los Angeles". The Root. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  6. "Father of teen fatally shot by LA sheriff's dept.: Son wasn't armed, was 'good kid'". ABC News. 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  7. "Sheriff Discusses Disappearance of Gun Seen Before Shooting". NBC Southern California. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  8. "Protestors in South L.A. Demand Answers in Death of Anthony Weber, Teen Shot Dead by Sheriff's Deputy". KTLA. 2018-02-11. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  9. Khan-Cullors, Jasmyne Cannick and Patrisse. "An Open Letter to the Mainstream Media Covering the Death of Black People by the Police". The Root. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  10. "Activists Continue to Put Pressure on Sheriff's Officials After Teen's Fatal Shooting by Staging Protest Outside Downtown L.A. NBA Event". KTLA. 2018-02-19. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  11. about, Amy Powell, bio (2018-02-19). "Group protests Westmont deputy-involved shooting". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  12. "16-year-old killed by sheriff's deputies during chase". ABC News. 2018-02-05. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  13. Panzar, Angel Jennings, Javier (6 February 2018). "Gun allegedly carried by 16-year-old shot and killed by L.A. County sheriff's deputies may have been taken". latimes.com. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
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