March 19, 2015
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams announced Thursday that no charges will be filed against the Philadelphia police officers involved in the December shooting death of Brandon Tate-Brown, NBC10 reports.
"The facts show a tragedy, a terrible tragedy, but not a crime," Williams said during a news conference Thursday at his Center City office.
Tate-Brown was shot and killed by Philadelphia police on the 6600 block of Frankford Ave. on Dec. 15. Police said he reached for a loaded gun in his rental car during a routine traffic stop.
"My team and I have spent hours reviewing statements from multiple witnesses and Philadelphia Police Officers, video from three different locations, DNA and ballistic information, the actions of Philadelphia Police Officers and Mr. Tate-Brown, and extensive physical evidence," Williams said in a statement. "All the evidence indicates that Mr. Tate-Brown, after repeatedly struggling with officers, appeared to be reaching for an illegal handgun at the time he was shot."
Many were quick to react to the news of the decision on Twitter.
So basically the murder of Brandon Tate Brown is justified like always.
— IG: pink.lips ♋️ (@RichHomieWAN_) March 19, 2015
More protests coming to Philly, I'm sure. No charges against police in Brandon Tate-Brown killing. https://t.co/HtHsX9mIeU
— Chris Krewson (@ckrewson) March 19, 2015
Lemme guess. The DA thinks the police were justified in killing Brandon Tate-Brown?
— TJ (@lippyback) March 19, 2015
I am so angry and exhausted. None of the evidence they are releasing about Brandon Tate-Brown's murder justifies death. Not even close.
— Judy Robbins (@_judyrobbins) March 19, 2015
Tate-Brown served five years in prison for aggravated assault after a 2007 beating where he was charged with attempted murder. According to court records, he also pleaded guilty to weapons charges during his 2008 trial for attempted murder.
Read the full story from NBC10.
