Protests Erupt In Chicago After Police Fatally Shoot Black Barber Harith Augustus

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Chicago police have released bodycam footage of the recent shooting of a black man who was "exhibiting characteristics of an armed person."

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Harith Augustus, a barber, was fatally shot Saturday during a confrontation with police. Following the shooting, a protest took place between residents and police officers, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Now, a snippet of bodycam footage has been released by the police department. The 40-second video, which doesn't include sound, appears to show Augustus speaking to an officer while two other cops begin to walk toward them. One of the two officers then attempts to grab Augustus' wrist but he pulls away. Then, a still image is shown, and a gun holstered on Augustus' waist can be seen. He then runs away, spinning around off balance before falling to the ground, presumably from being shot. Augustus was 37.

Warning: Video is graphic.

Although the video appears to answer one question — that Augustus was armed — the incident is still being reviewed by the department. The Cook County medical examiner's office revealed that Augustus died of multiple gunshot wounds. However, the autopsy did not specify how many times he was shot or where on his body.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson said he released the video quickly to stop any more confrontations between protesters and cops from happening. He also said that he spoke with Augustus' family before releasing the video.

"To the family of Mr. Augustus, I offer you my sincerest condolences for your loss, especially as a parent, as a father," Johnson told reporters. "To the officers involved, I know this is hard on you all, and you have my word that we'll ensure as a department that you all get the necessary support and mentoring you need through this difficult situation."

The officer who shot Augustus will be placed on 30-day desk duty while an investigation takes place.

Source: Chicago Tribune