Civil rights leaders, seeking to expedite federal probe into law enforcement killing of Andrew Brown, meet with Gov. Cooper

RALEIGH, NC (WAVY) – At least two dozen Pasquotank County residents met with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on Wednesday.

The group traveled to Raleigh to express concern over the death of Andrew Brown Jr., who was shot dead on April 21 by Pasquotank County MPs in Elizabeth City.

“This trip is to be to Raleigh to talk about laws we need to put in place,” said Kirk Rivers, Elizabeth City resident and NAACP president of Pasquotank.

Cooper was also accompanied by Attorney General Josh Stein, members of the Black Caucus Legislature, Pasquotank County NAACP, NC NAACP, and other Pasquotank executives.

The meeting came a day later Protests in eight cities in North Carolina on Tuesday evening, with religious leaders who demand accountability and transparency.

“We have been marching out here for 43 days asking for the truth,” added resident Cheryl Morrison.

Local residents asked Cooper about possible bills like one to make posting body camera videos easier than going to court.

“Why couldn’t we see the movie?” asked resident Marie Franz. “I’m a family member, so why can’t we see the film? Why did you chop it up and then close the suitcase? “

Previous: NAACP, local leaders urge an expedited federal investigation into the murder of Andrew Brown Jr.

Two weeks ago, Pasquotank District Attorney Andrew Womble said the MPs were justified in the shooting. All three MPs have been acquitted of any wrongdoing and can go back to work.

Rivers says the sheriff’s office policy was violated when MPs shot a moving car. Rivers said she would continue to protest until the MPs are dismissed and the sheriff resigns. “This community has clearly shown what to expect.”

In April, Cooper released a statement call for a special prosecutor work on the case.

The meeting with Cooper on Wednesday lasted about an hour and a half.

Cooper’s office sent a press release following the meeting saying he “continued to express his belief that federal officials should investigate this shooting further and that special prosecutors should deal with police shootings. The governor also expressed support for a state law change to improve public access to footage of incidents, including body camera footage.

“It was a great meeting with dedicated people seeking justice,” added Cooper.

Cooper says he believes body camera videos should be released faster and that special investigators should be called in when an officer has shot. He promised parishioners that more would be done.

“It is clear that we have a lot to do to fight for racial justice,” said Cooper.

“We found it was a very productive meeting,” added Rivers. “I think you understand that your presence is requested.”

More coverage: Andrew Brown Jr. dies in Elizabeth City

“This would help reassure the community and Mr. Brown’s family that a decision to prosecute a criminal charge will be made without bias. This position is in line with the amendment to the law recommended by our Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice, which requires a special prosecutor for police shootings, and I believe that the law should be changed to ensure this. “

Here is a full list of those attending Wednesday’s meeting:

• Governor Cooper
• Attorney General Stein
• Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman, NC NAACP
• Keith Rivers, Pasquotank NAACP
• Rep Kelly Alexander
• Senator Robinson
• Representative Gailliard
• Senator Murdock
• Late. Mohammed
• Rep. Raymond Smith
• Representative Kandie Smith
• Representative Amos Quick
• Rep Abe Jones
• It is. Joyce Wadell
• Representative Carolyn Logan
• Representative Nasif Majeed
• Representative Brandon Lofton
• Senator Gladys Robinson
• Representative James Gailliard
• Senator Natalie Murdock
• Glad. Mujtaba Mohammed
• Approx. 25 members of the Pasquotank community

The group also plans to travel to Washington DC on Thursday to meet with Justice Department leaders.

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