Interesting story from Rocky Mountain News. Granted, I only watch the MSM sporadically, but I don’t remember hearing about this. Do you? I’m assuming the guy killed was white; and because it’s not a story of a police officer shooting a minority, then it’s not really newsworthy. As a disclaimer, this is pure speculation on my part, but without the good Reverends Al and Jesse coming to Denver, I think I’m probably right. Feel free to correct me if you know something I don’t.
A Colorado State Patrol trooper who shot and killed a gunman who walked into the Capitol last month feared for his life and the life of the governor and was justified to use deadly force.Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey revealed that finding in a 71-page letter sent today to Peter Weir, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety.
Morrissey gives this account of what happened on the day of the shooting:
Aaron Snyder entered the west door of the state Capitol building shortly before 2 p.m. July 16. Within five minutes he entered the temporary offices of Gov. Bill Ritter. Snyder was dressed in a black tuxedo and was carrying Remington hearing protection in his left hand.
He stated, “I am the Emperor and I am here to take over the State of Colorado.”
State Patrol Trooper Jay Hemphill, who was assigned to protect the governor, intercepted Snyder in the reception area of the office, engaged him in discussion, and within a minute diplomatically got him back out the door.
Hemphill continued discussions with Snyder for approximately three more minutes.
They were standing immediately in front of the glass-windowed door to the governor’s office at arm’s length speaking in a moderate conversational tone. During the discussion Snyder’s comments were disquieting and became challenging.
Hemphill became concerned enough that he made a 10-78 emergency alert from his radio (emergency-officer needs help). Snyder unexpectedly slid back his tuxedo coat revealing a large firearm protruding from his right pants pocket.
In concert with this action, he stated: “No police are going to stop me.” Hemphill dropped the pen and notebook he was holding.
He drew his service pistol. As Snyder started moving toward him, Hemphill commanded loudly: “Stop-State Patrol- or I will kill you.”
Snyder ignored the commands and continued to move toward Hemphill. Hemphill fired four shots. Snyder fell backward to the marble floor of the Capitol just to the right of the door to the governor’s office. He was dead at the scene.
I have to share with you a leftard comment from an article in the Denver Post regarding the shooting:
Such anger in the happy state…..and so many questions.
1. Was the gun loaded?
2. Was the gun real?
3. Was there really a gun?
4. Was the emperor a threat?Given the history of your police department, these are legitimate questions. In the end, law enforcement may be justified, but intelligent people usually wait for questions before spouting off in a rage.
I’m not sure why the officer didn’t risk his life and ask these questions first. He probably just has this crazy expectation of going home every night alive to his family?
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Tammi..I love your take on it girl!..ha exactly!:)
Hi Angel,
One of my best friends is a Nebraska State Trooper, and I know that his number one goal everyday is to come home safe to his wife, no matter what it takes. I appreciate this attitude and hate the idea of law enforcement second guessing themselves when their lives are on the line. This goes for our fine soldiers too!
Clearly, this poor benighted soul would have presented his weapon for inspection if the officer had just said, “Pretty please!”
My thoughts exactly Bridget!
What the person commenting at the paper’s account is insufficiently educated to include in their thought processes is this …
Regardless of the condition of the weapon in the (thankfully) deceased person’s pocket - the officer KNEW WITHOUT A DOUBT that there was, indeed a real, loaded gun at the scene that constituted a threat. It was his own service weapon demonstrated to be real. loaded and a threat just moments later.
If the commenter is in addition, ignorant enough of real life police procedures to not know that a disturbed individual approaching a police officer making odd statements, possibly armed and refusing orders to stop including one that included the threat of deadly force is not going to be classified for the threat he is and promptly shot, then he or she is not smart enough to have an opinion on the matter.
Sheeeesh … Does anyone know where that woman from Chicago whose son was “executed in cold blood by the cops” is? Perhaps she beat feet from The Windy City for a while and is now a blowhard in Colorado media …
BCM