Baton Rouge cops kill 37 year old Alton Sterling selling CDs

Baton Rouge cops kill 37 year old Alton Sterling in front of a Store where he was selling CD’s Today – #AltonSterling

Two Baton Rouge police officers struggling to apprehend 37 year old Alton Sterling, who was selling CDs out in front of a convenience store on North Foster Drive, made what could have been one of the biggest mistakes of their lives when one officer drew his weapon and fired it at Sterling’s chest and back, killing him.  Police arrived at the scene after receiving an anonymous call claiming Sterling was armed and threatening people. The video, which is too graphic to be shown on this website, can be found here on Twitter.

The 39 second cell phone video captures the intensity and rapid escalation of the incident. The video begins with Sterling being tackled to the ground by the two cops. Sterling is ordered multiple times to get on the ground, and is eventually pinned down. Then suddenly the officers see a gun on the suspect, and the male officer draws his weapon. Shortly after, he shoots and kills Sterling.

Many who knew Sterling claim he was a good person. Though he had a history of crime, many think his death was not just.

Sterling had an extensive criminal record dating back to 1996. He was convicted on charges of domestic abuse battery and aggravated battery, among others.

The Twitter hashtag #AltonSterling has quickly exploded, leading to a large public outcry. Protesters, mostly friends and family of Sterling’s at first, gathered outside the convenience store at North Foster Drive and Fairfields Avenue  where he was killed. Their signs read “Hands Up Don’t Shoot,” and “Black Lives Matter.” At one point the crowd grew to roughly 200 people. It was later dispersed by police, though they plan to continue their protest at City Hall. Both officers involved were placed on administrative leave following the incident.

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