The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has released body camera footage of the fatal shooting of Jameson, a two-year-old golden Saint Bernard, who police believe was shot after responding to a disturbance call, sparking widespread outrage.On June 13, police responded to an apartment complex near Canoga Park after receiving reports of a woman screaming. Authorities later determined the noise came from a family celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA championship. Jameson, who was wearing a blue Knicks jersey at the time, was shot outside his apartment, sparking calls for accountability, protests on social media and demands for a transparent investigation.Amid growing criticism, the Los Angeles Police Department released body-worn camera footage showing the moments before the shooting.The video shows dog owner Mary Massey opening her apartment door as Jameson stands next to her and barks at police. An officer immediately drew his pistol and instructed her to protect the dog.One officer can be heard saying in the video: “Put your dog off.”“That’s a big dog,” one officer said to his partner.“I’m not going to be bothered by that, man,” another officer responded.Marseille appeared to hold the door while telling police the dog was not aggressive. A moment later, Jameson walked into the hallway wearing a blue Knicks jersey and barked again. After taking a few steps forward, the dog was shot four times by a police officer.The video also shows another officer raising his gun as the shooting occurred.
Why did the police come to the apartment?
Police were dispatched after reports of a woman screaming inside the building.The caller directed officers to Marseille’s apartment, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Police asked her to protect the dog after it started barking, authorities said.Police said in a statement that the shooting occurred when Jameson left the apartment and “charged” at an officer.Marseille disputes this claim. Speaking to media after the incident, she said Jameson slipped across her legs and was shot within seconds.“He didn’t do anything. He didn’t do anything,” she said.
Viral video sparks public outrage
The video attracted public attention after it was widely shared on social media.The video showed Massey holding Jameson’s body and crying as several police officers stood nearby.“The Knicks just won a championship. We’re so happy. We’re just celebrating the Knicks,” she can be heard saying in the video.A GoFundMe campaign called “Justice for Jameson” has raised more than $170,000, far exceeding its original goal.The fundraiser described Jameson as “the sweetest boy in the world” and said he was shot about 10 minutes after his family began celebrating the Knicks’ win.The shooting drew criticism from activists, community groups and public officials.The Los Angeles National Action Network called the killing “unnecessary and unwarranted” and demanded the release of body camera footage and the identities of the officers involved.
The mayor ordered an investigation
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said she has spoken with Police Chief Jim McDonald and is demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.“Every life lost to violence is a tragedy and we know the devastating loss of Jameson will be felt forever by his family,” Bass said, according to The Guardian. She added that the investigation will be conducted in a thorough and transparent manner so that the public is fully informed of what happened.City Council member Nithya Raman also called for the video to be released immediately, saying the incident damaged public trust.
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