Statement Of Congressman Gregory W. Meeks On The Police Shooting Of Sean Bell, Joseph Guzman And Trent Benefield

(WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) of the Sixth Congressional District, released the following statement today on the police shooting of Sean Bell, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, Just after 4:00 a.m. yesterday morning, Saturday, November 25, 2006, a horrible, inexplicable tragedy occurred. Five police officers fired at least 50 rounds into an automobile driven by 23 year-old Sean Bell, who, along with two passengers, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were leaving Mr. Bells bachelor party at a nearby nightclub. Mr. Bell, a father of two daughters three years-old and five months-old who was to be married to his childrens mother later that day, was hit three times and pronounced dead on arrival at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. I extend my deepest sympathy to his fiance, daughters, and family.

Mr. Bells two companions were also shot. Mr. Guzman was wounded as many as 11 times. Mr. Benefield was shot three times. According to police, the vehicle in which the three young men were riding was pierced by at least 21 bullets.

No guns or other weapons were found on the victims, in the car, or at the scene. No charges have been filed against the men, despite their having been tailed by five police officers, one on foot, two each in two separate vehicles.

It is too early to come to a full judgment not enough facts are known or have been released to my office or to the families of the victims or to other elected officials, clergy, or community activists, to reach final conclusions. However, Sean Bells fiance, children, family, friends, and community deserve and must be given a full and complete explanation. We do not know all the facts, except that there are two little girls who have lost their father. As well as a bereaved mother who has been deprived of a husband.

On the surface, it is hard to explain why five police officers found it necessary to fire 50 rounds into a vehicle with three unarmed individuals inside? It is even harder to explain what compelled one of the officers to empty his clip, reload and empty a second? Even if the officers thought the men were armed, it is hard to understand why the police officers simply didnt order Bell, Guzman, and Benefield to raise their hands and get out of the car?

Justice and truth demands unvarnished answers. If this is yet another case of excessive force then the police officers must be held accountable to the fullest extent allowed by law. The investigation must be conducted with transparency, thoroughness, and priority.

The burden is on Commissioner Ray Kelly, the NYPD, Mayor Bloomberg, and Queens County District Attorney Richard Brown to conduct the investigation in a manner that inspires confidence, reveals the full truth, administers justice, and brings the city together. A burden is on all of us to handle this tragedy with the determination to remain vigilant and persevering in uncovering the truth. We must not be divisive or provocative; but we must maintain the respect for the memory Sean Bell. I ask all New Yorkers of good faith to keep Mr. Bells family in your thoughts and prayers.