Video of armed man shot by police officers to be released today

HOUSTON – Houston police and Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that the release of all available video of a deadly shooting of an armed man earlier this month in southeast Houston won't happen until Thursday.

After announcing a Wednesday afternoon press conference in order to release the video, the mayor said at the press conference that he will honor the request of Alva Braziel's family to have one more opportunity to view the video if they desire. He said a family attorney called him to ask for more time.

Turner said he now plans to release the video at noon Thursday.

Investigators said two officers July 9 saw Braziel, 38, with a gun and told him to put it down, but said he ignored their commands. They said Braziel pointed the gun toward the sky, then at them. That's when both officers opened fire.

Turner said July 11 he wanted any video to be released "because tensions are running high." He said he also asked the U.S. Department of Justice to review the shooting.

Turner said he was compelled to release the video now because of what he said is "a lot of dangerous misinformation" that's floating around on social media.

Turner said he's watched the video, and that social media posts claiming Braziel was unarmed are false. In the wake of what happened in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Turner said he wants to do everything in his power to make sure the most accurate information is available to the public.

"I want to be sensitive to the family. There is a lot of false narrative out there. I don't want a police officer to be shot at hurt. The video clearly demonstrates Mr. Braziel was armed," Turner said.

He said there is evidence to suggest Braziel was under the influence at the time he was shot but would not elaborate.

Ray Hunt, President of the Houston Police Officers' Union, has been calling for the release of all the video since the shooting occurred earlier this month. 

Both officers involved in the shooting of Braziel are on paid administrative leave while the case is under investigation. Officers Lopez and Macias were sworn in as officers in May 2003 and June 2006, respectively. Both are assigned to the Gang Division. 

The case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions, as well as the Harris County District Attorney's Office.


About the Authors:

Award-winning journalist, adventure seeker, explorer, dog lover.