Police shooting prompts Justice Dept. probe in Baton Rouge
The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation Wednesday into the fatal shooting of a black man by the Baton Rouge police that was captured on video, as city and state leaders appealed to a city roiled by the killing to remain calm.
The shooting prompted protests, and relatives of Sterling, civic leaders and state lawmakers demanded an investigation independent of the Baton Rouge police.
The decision to have the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office in Baton Rouge conduct the investigation was welcomed by a lawyer for Sterling’s family.
Officials identified the two officers as Blane Salamoni, who has been with the police department for four years, and Howie Lake II, with three years of experience; both have been placed on administrative leave.