ACLU of Texas Statement on Fatal Shooting of Antronie Scott
HOUSTON — Today, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus confirmed that San Antonio Police Department Officer John Lee fatally shot an unarmed 36-year-old Antronie Scott in the course of an attempted arrest. After reviewing the audio footage, Chief McManus asserted that Officer Lee discharged his weapon “almost immediately” after ordering Scott to show his hands. Lee mistook Scott’s cell phone for a weapon.
The following may be attributed to Terri Burke, executive director for the ACLU of Texas:
“While we still don’t have all the details of Thursday night’s tragedy in San Antonio, what we do know is that Antronie Scott posed no threat to Officer Lee in the moments before his life was senselessly ended. Law enforcement agencies in Texas and across the country have some serious soul-searching to do. It’s not enough to insist on body cameras, training and a revision of use-of-force policies. What’s required is a sea change in a law enforcement culture that shoots first and asks questions later. The execution of unarmed men of color is a tragically routine trend in American policing that has absolutely got to stop.”
Stay informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The latest in Criminal Law Reform
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About Criminal Law Reform
The Criminal Law Reform Project seeks to end harsh policies and racial inequities in the criminal justice system.