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Statement by Rev. Al Sharpton Regarding the Detective In Sean Bell Shooting Being Found Guilty of Violating NYPD Guidelines

REV. SHARPTON, THE BELL FAMILY & ATTORNEYS TO STAND TOGETHER AT 3P.M. THURSDAY AT NAN’S HARLEM HEADQUARTERS (106 West 145th @ Lenox – Harlem, NY)—–

Contact: Rachel Noerdlinger ([email protected])

November 30, 2011-“The Judge’s decision today was a clear signal that Sean Bell was killed, while Joe Guzman and Trent Benefield were injured due to no fault of their own, as we have stated at National Action Network along with supporters of the Bell family from the beginning and continuously thereafter.

For the judge to find Detective Gescard Isnora reckless in triggering what occurred is to remove the attempt by the defenders of the police to put the blame on the victims, as was attempted with malice throughout the criminal trial. Though I feel that the Judge erred with his finding on Officer Michael Carey, I strongly agree that his decision on Isnora vindicates the position of those of us who have worked to vindicate Sean Bell and his family. It also mandates that the Police Commissioner immediately fires Detective Isnora and not give retirement benefits to the others who were involved. I intend to stand with family members tomorrow afternoon to press Commissioner Kelly to do what’s right.”