The NYPD has found itself back in the line of fire, under new claims of use of excessive force. The family of Darruis Kennedy is seeking out answers as to why he was shot a dozen times when he pulled out a knife in Times Square, Saturday (Aug. 11).
Kennedy, 51,was shot and killed after he pulled out the knife in the middle of the busy tourist area, sending pedestrians running for cover. “It doesn’t take 12 bullets to kill one person,” said his aunt, Margaret Johnson. “I think it could have been done another way.”
According to NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the officers were justified in taking Kennedy down. “I think the police responded appropriately, ” Kelly said.
Bloomberg pointed out that in Kennedy’s case, officers had to ensure public safety. “He had a knife and he was going after people,” he noted. “It’s just one of those terrible unfortunate events.”
The incident took place at the intersection of 44th st. and 7th ave, just after 3 p.m. NYPD spokesperson Paul Browne revealed that Kennedy was smoking weed, and had 10 prior arrests on his record. He was only three feet from officers when he started threatening them, at which point they unloaded their weapons, and took his life.
Click below to see photos of the incident.
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