Manhattan DA: Drop Assault Charges Against Glenn Broadnax

Glenn Broadnax, suffering from anxiety and depression, walked into traffic near Times Square on September 14, 2013. When police attempted to remove him from the street, Mr. Broadnax reached into his pocket for his wallet. The police officers reacted by pulling their weapons and shooting at Mr. Broadnax. They missed, hitting two nearby pedestrians. Mr. Broadnax was initially charged with three misdemeanors, but prosecutors have convinced the grand jury to indict him for the assault of the two bystanders. The district attorney's office reasons that "[T]he defendant is the one that created the situation that injured innocent bystanders." At least one of the shooting victims has spoken out against this charge through her attorney.

When police use deadly force in crowded areas without a clear and present danger, a tragedy has occurred. When the state places the blame for that tragedy on an unarmed, emotionally disturbed individual, the tragedy is compounded by injustice.

For more information:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/05/nyregion/unarmed-man-is-charged-with-wounding-bystanders-shot-by-police-near-times-square.html
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/12/man-police-shot-at-charged-with-assault.html