BATON ROUGE, La. – February 25, 2021 – In an effort to keep the lines of communication open with the public, I want to provide an update about the ongoing investigation concerning BRPD and a juvenile member of the community. 

As you know, an internal affairs investigation was launched and a petition was filed to seek the public release of the body cam footage. At the present moment, the courts have denied the release due to sensitivities concerning the age of the juvenile. The full context of the encounter can only be ascertained when one has seen the full video. Understandably, because a juvenile is involved, the public won’t get that opportunity. 

This will not stop our efforts to be transparent and accountable throughout the process. It is imperative the public understands that this encounter and its happenings are not limited to what has been published on social media. There is actually a voluminous amount of video and corresponding evidence. 

As I have said before, I trust Chief Paul and am confident he is conducting an exhaustive investigation of the incident.

As your Mayor-President I am committed to truth. My administration works daily to make sure every citizen in our city is heard. This is not the conclusion of this chapter. However, I did not want to end the week without giving everyone an update.