SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 10, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill has requested that the FBI review the fatal shooting of Patrick Harmon, a 50-year-old black man, by a Salt Lake City police officer.
In a letter to the FBI on Monday, Gill said, “In order to be thorough, and given the seriousness of the case and the considerable public interest in the matter, all issues must be completely examined to preserve the public’s trust in the criminal justice system and ensure the right measures are taken in this case.”
Gill’s office earlier ruled that the Aug. 13 shooting of Harmon was justified.
The District Attorney’s Office released a statement on Oct. 4, saying the decision not to file criminal charges against SLCPD Officer Clinton Fox was based on extensive interviews with the officers and body-cam video that showed Harmon breaking free and running away when police attempted to handcuff him.
As officers pursued him, Harmon reportedly turned to face officers, showed a knife, and said “I will cut you,” according to the SLCDA’s statement.
Officer Fox fired his gun three times at Harmon, who was treated at the scene and died in the hospital.
The D.A.’s office stated that the video, when slowed down, showed Harmon holding a knife.
Harmon’s family has questioned the D.A.’s ruling, and a Black Lives Matter protest was held in Salt Lake City after the ruling was made public.
Gephardt Daily will update this developing story as more information becomes available.
