Fallout continues in the city of Albany after police body camera video of a March police-civilian confrontation was released. With one officer arrested on felony assault charges, a rally is being planned for next weekend.
Body cam video shows five-year Albany Police officer Luke Deer kicking in a front door without a warrant and beating a man with a nightstick. Outraged citizens who watched it plan to "March against Luke Deer" April 14th at the Empire State Plaza. Organizer Taylor Osheyack:
"If I'm going to live here in Albany, I wanna feel safe and I want my friends and family to feel safe too. My hope is that the police and the people can come together in a democratic way and speak about how this makes the citizens feel."
City Hall says the group should seek a permit through the State Office of General Services to hold the rally on state property.
Police Chief Eric Hawkins tells WAMC that an internal review of the situation is ongoing.