Despite a state decision to drop criminal charges against an Oklahoma City police offer who slammed an elderly man to the ground, the Vietnamese American community is demanding the officer be fired.
The Oklahoman reports they took the issue before the Oklahoma City Council Tuesday while according to KFOR, the county district attorney and a top state lawmaker also questioned the decision by Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
Sgt. Joseph Gibson remains on administrative leave while the police conduct its own internal investigation.
“The attorney general’s decision to dismiss the officer from a criminal charge was very unsettling to our community and many in the room,” said Thuan Nguyen, president of the Vietnamese American Heritage Community of Oklahoma, to the Oklahoma City Council. “There’s been anger. There’s been hurt. Many are upset. Most importantly, there’s been feelings of distrust in our leaders, in our leadership.”
Drummond overruled County District Attorney Vicki Behenna who had initiated assault charges against Sgt. Gibson.
Behenna expressed dismay about Drummond’s decision.
“I am surprised and disappointed that Attorney General Gentner Drummond took this case away from my office and the citizens of Oklahoma County,” she said in a statement to KFOR.
Under Oklahoma state law, AG Drummond says his decision to preempt local authorities is within his rights.
“The simple truth is, this unfortunate incident never would have occurred if Mr. Vu had kept his hands to himself,” Drummond said.
71-year-old Lich Vu got into a verbal confrontation with Gibson after he cited Vu for a traffic infraction following a minor fender bender.
There appeared to be a language barrier and at one point, Vu tapped his knuckles on the officer’s chest and told him to shut up. That’s when Gibson slammed the 71 year old to the ground, fracturing his neck and causing his brain to bleed.
Democratic House Rep. Cyndi Munson, a leader not only in the state legislature but also the Asian American community, accused Drummond of an “abuse of power.”
“When you have power, how you use it tells us everything we need to know about you. This decision is about gaining political points, not protecting law enforcement or our community,” she said.
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