Hundreds Protest Police Shootings In Albuquerque

By Carrie Jung, KJZZ
March 31, 2014

Hundreds of people took part in a protest in downtown Albuquerque on Sunday to speak out against recent police shootings and the Albuquerque Police Department’s use of force.

Since 2010, the department has been involved in almost 40 shootings, 23 of which have been fatal.

The 10-hour standoff ended shortly after public safety officials released tear gas into the crowd.

The protest was organized in response to a recent officer-involved shooting that left a homeless man with a history of mental illness dead.

It was not the first time city residents have organized a demonstration in response to the department’s use of force. Susan Schuurman, the coordinator of the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, said it won’t be the last.

"The people of Albuquerque have had enough with the police force being out of control and the police chief doing nothing and the city council doing nothing and the DOJ doing nothing," Schuurman said. "Seemingly nothing, or if they’re doing anything, they’re taking too long."

The center was not involved with the organization of last night’s protest, but they are spearheading a community forum set for Monday night where attendees will discuss future plans of civil disobedience. 

Albuquerque Police Department Chief Gordon Eden defended his officers Monday. He said they had to respond after the situation escalated. Officers say they saw a man carrying what they thought was an AK-47 to the protest.

Editor's Note: This story has been modified to reflect the man recently killed in an officer-involved shooting had a history of mental illness.

Updated 4/2/14 at 10:43 a.m.