Alabama Governor Supports Decision to Withhold Footage of Black Student’s Fatal Police Shooting

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has expressed her support for a state agency’s decision to withhold body camera footage from the recent police shooting of an 18-year-old Black college freshman, Jabari Peoples. Ivey stated that it is essential for the case to undergo a complete investigation before releasing any information.

She remains optimistic that “the facts will prevail” once the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency finishes its inquiry into the June 23 incident involving an officer from the Homewood Police Department. Peoples, an aspiring police detective, was shot while sitting in his parked car at a soccer complex with his girlfriend.

The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. when an officer approached the vehicle, claiming he detected the smell of marijuana. According to family attorney Ben Crump, Peoples’ girlfriend, whose identity has not been disclosed, has asserted that he did not possess a gun.

The officer, whose name has not been made public, allegedly shot Peoples after claiming he reached for a firearm located in the pocket of the car door. An independent autopsy commissioned by Peoples’ family revealed that he was shot in the back with no exit wound found, raising further questions about the circumstances of the shooting.

Meanwhile, an autopsy by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is being withheld at the request of the state law enforcement agency. The body camera footage from the incident has become a focal point of contention, as Peoples’ family and the local community challenge the police department’s narrative.

State Representative Kelvin Datcher, representing Homewood, criticized the agency’s refusal to release the video, arguing it erodes public trust in law enforcement. In response to the situation, protesters gathered at a Homewood City Council meeting, demanding the release of the footage and threatening economic boycotts against local businesses until justice is served.

Rev. Wayne Harris articulated the urgency of their cause, indicating that the community’s dissatisfaction could lead to significant protests aimed at holding officials accountable.