No word yet on whether police will release bodycam footage of the police shooting of 19-year-old Win Rozario at his home in Queens.
The Bangladeshi American teen himself called 911 on March 27 telling dispatchers he was in mental distress. What happen next is unclear as the accounts from police and Rozario’s family differs, reports Epicenter.
“I spoke to his relatives and it is unjustifiable,” said Abu Taher, editor of Bangla Patrika and CEO of Time Television, said to Epicenter. “To shoot a boy six times? Shoot him in the leg if you must. He’s a teenager.”
According to Intelligencer, the New York Police Department says Rozario came at them with a pair of scissors after they shot him with a taser and his mother knocked the taser off as she embraced him. Authorities say they shot and killed the teen after he lunged towards officers again with the sharp implement.
However, Rozario’s 17-year-old brother, Utsho, told the NY Times, his mother never let go of his brother.
“As my mother was still hugging him, they shot him with the Taser,” he told the outlet. “So they shot him with the Tasers, and my brother didn’t really go down. So one of the cops pulled out a gun and shot him as my mother still hugging him.”
On Good Friday, emotional protesters demanded that police release the body cam footage, reported AMNY.
“We need justice. We need the name of that police officer who killed Win, we need the footage to be released ASAP. Release the footage!” one man said.
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My heart goes out to Win’s parents and brother.
Please know that many Americans outside the Bangladeshi American community are equally grieved and horrified.
Yes, events can happen quickly, especially in tight quarters. However, it is distressing that the authorities are withholding the body cam footage, and even the officers’ identity. The longer the delay continues, the more it appears stories are being coordinated, and video edited.
Your son’s difficulties deserved compassion, and help.
I do not know exactly what transpired, since the police are withholding the video. I DO know that as a parent, an adult, and a human being, I would without second thought, take the risk of disarming a distraught young man holding scissors. And I am an older man, without training, or a firearm as a backup plan. I am also a civilian, not a sworn officer, who took on the responsibility and duty to risk his safety, to protect others.
Please continue to seek justice, for your son’s memory. Do not be intimidated by authority, nor your immigration status.
There is a long history of police acting in this fashion in NYC, and the USA generally. It is a sad part of our society.You are not alone.
I hope you can eventually find peace, and forgiveness.