Thread by @omaha_scanner

Officials holding a 1:30 p.m. press conference where a charging decision against the suspect in the James Scurlock homicide is expected.
#ProtestOMA

Press briefing beginning with county attorney Don Klein speaking.

"This event that happened in Minneapolis, the murder of Mr. Floyd is reprehensible."

"The shooting death that occured here in Omaha the evening of May 30th of James Scurlock, was so sensless."

"We've spent many hours reviewing videos and evidence"

"The purpose of the protest was to be peaceful"

"In the end, there was damage to property and the death of Mr. Scurlock"

"There have been much misinformation on social media and on the internet."

"It's troubling"

"I'd like to break down with you some of the video evidence we have"

Showing videos.

First video shows Jake Gardner speaking tensely with others about who pushed his father.

Now showing bar security footage from front window.

Video shows Jake Gardner's father getting pushed. The tension in between, A physical alternation between Jake Gardner and James Scurlock, the gunshots, and police arriving.

This video is the best evidence we have at this time.

Discussing the law regarding individuals having a "resonable basis".

"We certainly wish none of this would have happened"

"after reviewing the video the action of the shooter were justified.”

"We know that emotions are running high right now. We understand this decision may not be popular"

"This decision can't be based on emotions, anger, any of these things."

Taking questions at this time.

In response to first question: "2 people pushed him to ground. He fired 2 shots. James jumped and took him down and put a headlock on him."

In response to second question: "bar owner says he thought they were trying to take the gun"

In response to third question: "friend of James Scurlock said there was a back and forth between the two but did not hear anything racial"

In response to fourth question: "He previously had a conceal-carry permit but it had expired prior to this time period"

In response to fifth question: "He did show the gun"

"He let them know he was armed"

"I met with Mr Scurlock this morning and he was thankful we showed him the video"

"This wasn't somebody who walked out and was trying to hunt somebody"

"This individual gave a statement that he thought he had to do it because he thought he was going to get hurt or killed"

"We looked at this. The homicide unit looked at this. Individual was in custody until last night and then homicide decided to release him in coordination with us."

"People do have a right to protect your property. You just can't use deadly force in that situation. There is a line in a certain situation."

"You're looking at the bigger picture here. You have to consider everything that was going on. It's not just this on a quiet Saturday night."

"Immediately prior to this happening the business was damaged. At 22:56 video shows a male party who is friends with Mr. Scurlock push the older gentleman down to the ground."

"At 22:57 he is partially circled. Backing up, and at 22:55 the video shows parties breaking out windows in the establishment"

"Officers described bar owner as remorseful, scared and shocked."

"We asked the police to find anything they could on his social media, so we are aware about posts about protecting property and fire watch comments."

Question: why make this announcement?

Answer: It's our job. We've seen incidents around the country where things are delayed. We take the job seriously. We think there are decisions that need to be made. Even if they're unpopular decisions.

"If anyone has any additional evidence, or video that might give a different perspective, please come forward with that evidence."

"There isn't a question in my mind that there is a problem in our great country with racism. I wish I had the answer. But everyone plays a part in solving this problem. I really think sometimes its because people don't know each other. They don't interact enough."

"Somewhat of a fear factor. The color of someones skin makes no difference to me. We don't look for that in reports. But there are certainly people that we live with in society that are prejudice. It's wrong. It's unfortunate. It needs to be stopped."

"The decision we're making here is solely based on the evidence we have."

"I would hope that we don't have to evacuate the courthouse because of fear. I would hope people will be sensible and understand what our role and job is here. That we'll learn something from this and move forward instead of backwards."

Question: "People are tired and frustrated. People that I talk to feel like there is a lot of lip service. But they're tired of lip service. What changes are you making to help our community with their hurt and scars?"
(continued)

Answer: "I think its a bigger picture. I think people have to have more minorities in offices. Public offices. People want to see people of color in particular offices. I think its important to build trust in relationships in the community. It's important for us to have...

...a dialog. I meet with people all over the community. It's for people to know each other. The other night before this happened, I prayed that nothing bad would happen."

"And I was hoping and praying that no one would pull a gun out. And it happened. It saddens me to see our community to have to go through this. I want to see us get through this and work together and be the great the community."

"Mr. Gardner said 'I did what I did to defend myself', And we find that we can't disprove that from the evidence we have."

"It's important that people realize that you can't use deadly force for your property. Call the police in these situations. You don't have the right to say 'I thought somebody was going to break a window in my building so I shot them'."

Press briefing over.