Faith leaders speaking in support of the family of De'Von Bailey Friday believe the fatal shooting of the 19-year-old was not justified, and that allowing the two officers involved to return to work this early jeopardizes the safety of minority citizens.
Using the body camera footage released by Colorado Springs police Thursday, a pair of pastors said they believe the video shows police used excessive force in firing eight shots at Bailey, striking him four times. They asked why police couldn't have fired a warning shot into the air first, or establish a perimeter around the neighborhood, since officers knew Bailey's address.
Instead, Pastor Terry Thomas of Lifting Up Jesus Church said the shooting instead tainted the reputation of safety for people of color in Colorado Springs.
KOAA News 5 learned Friday that both of the officers that fire weapons, Sgt. Alan Van't Land and Officer Blake Evenson, have returned to duty from administrative leave. They followed department protocol in completing interviews and firearm checks before returning.
That return, though, is cause for concern, Thomas said.
"In my humble opinion, the black and brown citizens of Colorado Springs are not safe with these officers on the street. Last week... On August 3rd, it was De'Von Bailey. The preacher said in his sermon this afternoon, who knows who's next," Thomas said.
News 5's Bill Folsom will have a full recap of Friday's press conference on News 5 at 10.
Colorado Springs Police release body cam video of De'Von Bailey shooting
