HOUSTON –
Mayor Sylvester Turner has asked Houston police to release the body-cam video of a deadly shooting of an armed man in southeast Houston over the weekend as soon as possible.
Protesters gathered Sunday night at Cullen and Ward where police shot and killed Alva Braziel on Saturday morning.
Investigators said two officers 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.
A woman who identified herself as Braziel's wife said the reason Braziel was out early in the morning was because "somebody stole his horse."
Turner said he wants 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.
"While I desire and will require a full investigation, I am confident that once complete, the public will conclude we have been transparent. I encourage my fellow citizens to help maintain the peace throughout the city," Turner said in a statement.
Both officers 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.
Officials with the Houston Police Officers' Union said they've received numerous calls that asked if Turner has retracted his request after he invited the Justice Department to look into the case.
HPOU released a statement Monday saying, "Mayor Turner completely stands by his statement that it was a justified shooting by our officers. He has asked the Justice Department to look at the case to reinforce that he and the city are transparent as the investigation moves forward."
The statement concluded saying,"This is not the first time, nor will it be the last (time) that the Justice Department is asked to look at a completely justified shooting."