Minneapolis police chief says Justine Damond 'didn't have to die'

via UPI

Minneapolis' chief of police on Thursday said the fatal police shooting of unarmed Australian woman Justine Damond was unnecessary -- her first remarks on the growing scandal.

"Based on the publicly released information from the [Bureau of Criminal Apprehension], this should not have happened," Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau said during a news conference. "On our squad cars, you will find the words, 'To protect with courage and serve with compassion.' This did not happen."

"I believe the actions in question go against who we are as a department, how we train and the expectations we have for our officers," she added. "These were the actions and judgments of one individual."

Story here.

I've been watching this one with great interest.

No voicing of support from the usual "police are always right" crowd.

No voicing of condemnation from the usual "police are always wrong" crowd.

Just silence from all parties.

This has been very instructive so far.  It's almost like no one wants to see what's happening here.  Don't get me wrong.  I believe that EVERYONE has an "oh shit" moment.  We're human that's allowed.  But just because you had a massive brain fart does not excuse the action.  You still have to pay the piper.

Still.

This case is telling us something about American society and we should all be ashamed.