DA: Death of Alton Sterling May Be “Authorized Killing” Of Violent Armed Suspect

By Bob Owens

A Louisiana district attorney who heard the statements made by Baton Rouge police department officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II regarding the shooting of illegally-armed armed felon Alton Sterling believes that the officers may have shot Sterling in lawful self-defense.

Federal investigators are examining the deadly encounter at the request of Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards.

“We all learned lessons from what was done elsewhere in the country over the last several years and we’re trying to be as proactive as possible,” Edwards said.

The shooting happened early Tuesday morning when Baton Rouge police department officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II responded to a disturbance call involving Sterling, who was reportedly armed.

Sterling has a lengthy police record. Past charges include a felony drug offense and aggravated assault.

District Attorney Hillar Moore said Lake and Salamoni may have acted within their rights.

“This is potentially a state authorized killing,” Moore said. “It gives law enforcement officers the authority and mandates them to kill when in defense of themselves or others.”

Officers responded to a 911 call from a homeless man who claims that Sterling had threatened him with a gun. Instead of complying with lawful police commands, Sterling resisted arrest. Sterling …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms