The Topeka officers involved in the October 2023 death of Taylor Lowery, who was shot 34 times while holding a wrench, are still working. One of those officers, Malcolm Gillum, transferred to another law enforcement agency.
Our civic institutions depend on public trust. On belief.
But sometimes, what police ask us to believe strains credulity, such as officers shooting someone 34 times for holding a wrench. In the aftermath of such shootings, district attorneys rarely hold law enforcement accountable.
Consider the lawsuit filed recently on behalf of Taylor Lowery’s estate. What Lowery’s family experienced won’t boost public trust. LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, a lawyer for the family, said Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay “put out a misleading report on the shooting.”
Kagay said he believed the report generated by his office was a thorough and accurate summary.
“If the given quote is accurate, we believe a reckless allegation would be a more accurate way to characterize her claim,” Kagay said. “As an attorney licensed in Kansas, Ms. Saunders should be aware of the consequences of making false statements, which can lead to criminal, civil and disciplinary ramifications.”
Lassiter Saunders shot back: “If it is indeed accurate, release the video! Threats don’t scare me … misrepresentations to the public do.”
This case involved Topeka police fatally shooting the 33-year-old Lowery on Oct. 13, 2022. Officers shot him 34 times, Lassiter Saunders said.
Lowery got out of the car after reaching a convenience store and rushed to a car where the door stood ajar. He began running around, with officers trying to surround him. The officers were trying to get control of a tense though controlled situation.
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