Lawmakers demand justice for Adam Toledo: “His hands were up. He was unarmed ‘

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Democratic lawmakers on Thursday demanded justice for 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who was fatally shot by Chicago police.

The calls came after the Chicago Civilian Office of Police Accountably (COPA) released images of the encounter.

The video raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, as officials previously accused Toledo of having a gun. However, the video shows that Toledo appears to surrender and has nothing in his hands until the police shot him in the chest.

The incident sparks new calls for police reform, as it comes during the ongoing murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin charged with the death of George Floyd that sparked nationwide protests last summer.

It also comes as the US grapples with the death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, who killed police at a traffic stop on Monday.

Her. Dick DurbinDick DurbinSchumer Warns Democrats GOP Must Not Block Expanded Agenda (D-Ill.) Said on Twitter, “Adam Toledo was a seventh grader at Gary Elementary School in Little Village. His whole life was ahead of him. My heart breaks for his family and friends, who mourn the loss of his young life. ”

“Far too many black and brown men and women have lost their lives to brutal acts of racial injustice,” he continued. “All the evidence shows that we are dealing with a legal system that is not applied equally – and we need to. To change that.”

Her. Tammy DuckworthLadda (Tammy) Tammy Duckworth Overnight: Biden officially rolls out Afghanistan withdrawal plan | Probe Finds Problems Using DC Guard Helicopters During June Protests Biden Taps Erika Moritsugu As New Asian-American-Pacific Island Contact Duckworth DOJ Asks To Investigate ‘Brutally Violent’ Police Treatment Of National Guard Officer MORE (D-Ill.) Also expressed her condolences, adding, “No parent should ever lose a child like that and no child’s life should end like that. Ever.”

“If we really want to be the Land of the Free, every American must feel safe and be able to live,” she said.

Several House representatives also demanded justice for Toledo.

Rep. Brad SchneiderBradley (Brad) Scott Schneider Democrats Sees Opportunity in GOP Business Feud Democrats Have Growing Tax Problem With SALT Scrutinizing The Future of Our Country’s Supply Chains MORE (D-Ill.) Called the death of Toledo “a tragedy for his family and our community.”

“We have abandoned him as a society. We can’t bring Adam back, but we can strive for a world where no 13-year-old will come to such a tragic end, ”he said.

Rep. Marie Newman (D-Ill.) Said, “Reform alone cannot solve this. Public safety MUST be about funding for housing, schools and so much more than just the police. “

“The current system has failed Adam,” she said.

The video shows an officer chasing Toledo down an alley shouting “stop right now” before stopping at a large opening in a wooden fence.

The officer demands to see Toledo’s hands, and the teenager slowly turns both hands towards the officer in clear surrender.

The officer shouts “drop it” twice before firing Toledo in the chest, although there is no clearly visible weapon in his hand. Also, no weapon is visible when other agents arrive and start delivering CPR.

Rep. Karen BassKaren Ruth BassShocking murders renews tensions over police 10 Democrats join NAACP lawsuit against Trump lobby world MORE (D-Calif.) – who sponsored the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which the House passed last month – said, “Adam Toledo was 13 years old. Those responsible for taking the rest of his life from him must be held accountable. ”

Rep. Ro KhannaRohit (Ro) Khanna Night defense: Biden makes decision in Afghanistan Biden to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by Sept.11 Biden defense budget criticized by Republicans, progressives MORE (D-Calif.) Said US should establish that violence should be used only as a last resort.

Adam Toledo was 13 years old. His hands were up. He was unarmed, ”he said. “These images are heartbreaking for any parent. Like other great democracies, we must adopt a standard that violence can only be used as a last resort. ”

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