An Emotional Vigil Was Held For Alton Sterling As Officers Avoided Federal Charges
Gathered in front of the Triple S Food Mart where the 37-year-old was killed, his family renewed their call for charges to be filed in the case.
Following reports Tuesday that the Department of Justice would not prosecute the officers involved with the death last year of Alton Sterling outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family, friends, and community members held an emotional vigil in his memory.
Julie Dermansky
Alton Sterling's aunt, Veda Washington-Abusaleh, addresses the crowd at the vigil.
The shooting happened on July 5 after officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II, who are white, responded to a 911 call about a man brandishing a gun in the parking lot. In video of the altercation, the officers are seen pinning Sterling to the ground and yelling "he's got a gun." Seconds later, shots ring out. A loaded gun was recovered from his pocket, officials said.
Julie Dermansky
Federal officials confirmed Wednesday that they would not be filing charges after two experts, while criticizing the way the officers handled the situation, found that they did not act excessively.
Julie Dermansky
Neighborhood resident Kyla Washington holds a sign in solidarity with those at the vigil.
Abdullah Muflahi, the owner of Triple S Food Mart, where Sterling was killed, said his community is peaceful and that any violence or destruction that follows the Department of Justice's official announcement will probably come from outside agitators.
Julie Dermansky
As community members gathered and awaited official word Tuesday night, Sterling's aunt (center) led the group in prayer.
Julie Dermansky
Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indian, Tonya Johnson, also attended the vigil in full dress.
Julie Dermansky
People also paused to view the mural and makeshift memorial in the parking lot where Sterling was killed.
Julie Dermansky
A mural across from the Triple S Food Mart that was painted last July by New Orleans artist Langston Allston also serves as a reminder.
Julie Dermansky
Julie Dermansky
The federal decision may not be the end of the legal case, however, since since state prosecutors still have the option to file charges. The police department is also still conducting an internal review.
Julie Dermansky
Speaking after the Justice Department announcement, Quinyetta McMillon, the mother of Sterling's oldest son, pleaded with Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry to file charges, the Associated Press reported.
"Jeff Landry, please open up your heart and give us the justice that we deserve," she said.
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Laura is a senior photo editor for BuzzFeed News and is based in Los Angeles.
Contact Laura Geiser at laura.geiser@buzzfeed.com.
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