US authorities to investigate Louisiana shooting

The US Justice Department’s civil rights division will lead an investigation into a police shooting of a black man in Louisiana. Video footage appeared to show two white police officers holding down and fatally shooting Alton Sterling, 37, in Baton Rouge. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the US attorney’s office, the FBI and state […]

The US Justice Department’s civil rights division will lead an investigation into a police shooting of a black man in Louisiana.
Video footage appeared to show two white police officers holding down and fatally shooting Alton Sterling, 37, in Baton Rouge.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the US attorney’s office, the FBI and state police will also be involved.
The governor called for unity and urged protesters to remain calm as authorities conduct an investigation the shooting.
The shooting on Tuesday sparked protests from about 200 people who gathered at the scene where Mr Sterling was shot, blocking roads and chanting: “Black lives matter”.
Police spokesman Cpl L’Jean McKneely said the officers had been called in after reports that a man selling CDs outside a convenience store had threatened someone with a gun.