The Latest: Denver officer won't be prosecuted for shooting
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— Denver officer won't be prosecuted in fatal shooting of black man.
— Utah lawmakers vote to ban knee-to-neck chokeholds by police.
— California police chiefs endorse plan to weed out officers for repeated misconduct.
— University of Florida ending “gator bait” sports cheer over its racial connotations.
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DENVER — Denver’s district attorney says a police officer who fatally shot a black man who allegedly pulled a gun on the officer during a chase will not be prosecuted.
District Attorney Beth McCann said Thursday that Cpl. Ethan Antonson shot William Debose on May 1 to defend himself from the imminent use of deadly force, which is allowed by state law.
Protesters marched last week in Denver to call for justice for Debose, with some demonstrating outside McCann’s home. McCann said she supports the calls for justice and the examination of law enforcement actions and systemic racism in the criminal justice system following the death of George Floyd.
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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers have voted during a special session to ban knee-to-neck chokeholds similar to the one used in the death of George Floyd.
The measure approved Thursday stops short of criminalizing the use of all chokehold methods.
Several police departments have banned the use of chokeholds amid nationwide protests against police brutality. New York state has passed legislation banning the practice.
The Utah bill would prohibit officers from placing their knees on the necks of people being detained and bar law enforcement agencies from teaching officers how to use chokeholds and carotid restraints. Officers who use knee-to-neck holds could face up to a first-degree felony if the violation leads to someone’s death.
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