Political Gumbo: Release the Videos in the Charles Towns Shooting

Pasadena has done a good job of releasing footage well ahead of the 45 days. 

Simply put, I see it this way. 

Police officers are afforded the highest right by the state — the right to use lethal force under certain conditions. 

At the same time if that urgent and immediate force is necessary, then transparency should also be, within reason, urgent and necessary. 

When a law enforcement official pulls the trigger, transparency is paramount.

Other departments should heed Pasadena’s example.

It’s been more than 18 days since Sheriff’s deputies fatally shot Charles Towns in Altadena.

No, this is not an indictment of the deputies that were forced to take action that day. 

Instead, it is simply a call for facts and information to be revealed to the public – one that is also being made by residents in Altadena, including Heavenly Hughes.

Of course, sometimes it is necessary to remove sensitive information from these videos to protect the privacy of others not involved in the incident. 

That’s understandable, but communication is key. 

According to reports, Towns stabbed several people with scissors before being confronted by deputies at a gas station.

Reportedly, at first he appeared to comply with deputies and then fled and was shot as he attempted to stab a woman.  

To be clear, transparency regarding Towns’s actions and motivation is also necessary.

Yes, the actions of people on all sides deserve scrutiny. 

If Towns was inebriated or suffering from mental issues, then that too should be released.

If he was indeed suffering from mental issues, then perhaps a discussion on how he ended up in the streets with a pair of scissors is also necessary, along with a discussion about services or lack of service being provided to people suffering from mental ailments. 

As in every case like this there are layers that must be pulled back, examined and re-examined. 

Truth and accountability demand it.