A coalition of about a dozen black elected officials in Baton Rouge is asking for Attorney General Jeff Landry to consult with them before making any decision on appointing a “qualified, experienced and independent prosecutor” to consider state charges.
“Alton Sterling and the people of Baton Rouge deserve nothing less than the open and honest handling of this case,” the letter says.
East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III recused his office from the case Monday, citing a relationship with the parents of Blane Salamoni, one of the two Baton Rouge police officers implicated in Sterling’s death. The case now heads to Landry’s desk. He can keep it in his office or assign it to another district attorney.
The coalition of officials from the Metro Council, East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Legislature also announced the formation of a community command center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at 4000 Gus Young Ave.
“This center will be open to the public to express their concerns verbally, in writing, in artwork, and to speak with licensed counselors, legal professionals, ministers, and community organizers,” the group says. “This location will also be a designated site for donations of water and snacks, and to circulate notices of community events.”
The group is also asking law enforcement to avoid taunting and the use of tactical force when confronting protesters, for any protester arrested to be charged through City Court and housed in the old City Court jail instead of being bused to Parish Prison.
