Officers leave S.F. Police Commission meeting amid boos
Because for as many officers who showed up, there were just as many activists and community organizers, outraged over the Dec. 2 death of Woods.
Commission President Suzy Loftus repeatedly had to threaten to adjourn the meeting if attendees refused to stop chanting and talking over speakers, and at one point called the meeting into recess when a speaker walked up to the panel and questioned the two-minute speaking limit.
The shooting of Woods garnered nationwide attention after a video of the encounter was posted on social media, showing what critics said was Woods walking away from officers, not posing a threat as the police said he was.
The Police Officers Association has staunchly denounced the public outcry over the shooting, with President Martin Halloran writing to each member calling for a show of support at Wednesday’s meeting.
Under our current justice system, we are innocent until proven guilty,” Officer Shante Williams tried to say during public comment before he was drowned out with boos and calls of, “Why did they shoot Mario then?
Police officials said Woods was armed with a knife he was suspected of using in an earlier stabbing and that the five officers involved in the shooting — Charles August, Nicholas Cuevas, Antonio Santos, Winson Seto and Scott Phillips — had no choice but to use lethal force after unsuccessfully trying to subdue him with beanbag rounds and pepper spray.