TULSA – Several people gathered downtown at the protest for justice organized by the local group We the People-Oklahoma to voice their concerns and ideas following the shooting death of Terence Clutcher.
The group announced the plan to hold the protest not long after the dashcam video and helicopter video regarding the fatal shooting of Terence Crutcher were released.
Latest On Terence Crutcher Officer Involved Shooting
Starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, We the People organizers started the discussion and then handed the microphone to community leaders and residents alike to talk about the importance of peaceful protests and making their, those attending the meeting, voices heard.
Protesters gather at TPD calling for justice in police shooting of Terence Crutcher. @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/enOar7ledc
— Cori Duke (@CoriDuke_KJRH) September 20, 2016
SPECIAL SECTION: The fatal shooting of Terence Crutcher
The protest was held at 600 Civic Center, plaza area, and requested that those attending “bring signs and voices.”
Those who spoke said that the issue is “not a black, white issue. This is a people issue.” Speakers also went on to talk about voting, saying that making a change starts with voting. They also talked about the importance of wearing having officers wear body cameras.
Crutcher was fatally shot by Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby after, a department spokesperson reported, Crutcher declined to comply with requests to put his hands up.
Crutcher was not armed at the time of the shooting and dashcam footage, as well as helicopter footage, does show him with his hands up at one point during the incident.
"We need accountability, we need transparency and we need it today," Marq Lewis with We the People Oklahoma said Monday. "Right now, we need for them to arrest Betty Shelby."
The community activist group is calling for the case to not be handled by the local government, specifically the District Attorney's office. They're also calling for every officer to wear body cameras, which are currently not mandated.
This is the same group that petitioned a grand jury that led to the resignation of Tulsa's sheriff of nearly 30 years. They say they'll continue to fight Crutcher's honor, starting with those in black and blue.
On Monday, Tulsa police also spoke at a press conference discussing the video. Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan said he wants the public to know that they will work to seek justice on behalf of Terence Crutcher's family.
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