LGBT Advocates Seek Answers after Officer-involved Shooting

On Monday night, LGBT advocates gathered at Reading Hospital to hold a candlelight vigil offering well wishes for the critically wounded victim of Sunday mornings officer-involved shooting on Franklin Street in Reading.

Berks County Investigators have not identified the victim, or provided details of their investigation. However, the The LGBT Center of Greater Reading has confirmed the individual shot by Reading Police is a transgender woman.

- Advertisement -

Seeking answers, LGBT Center officials announced they were granted limited access to view part of the video footage of the incident. “Information provided to our respective organizations indicates that questions remain regarding specific details of the entire incident and the actions of the Reading Police Department.”

Organized by The LGBT Center of Greater Reading, Reading Pride Celebration, and the One Love Project, the group placed candles on the curb and held rainbow flags while community members spoke about the incident, and its affects on the LGBT community. Family members of the victim did attended the event, but did not wish to provide any comment.

- Advertisement -

“As unfailing advocates for our LGBTQIA+ community members and residents of the Greater Reading community, we feel strongly that it is critical to have all necessary information to take appropriate, responsive action. Tonight, we are focusing our energy and prayers on her recovering” LGBT Center officials said.

“We will continue to share details and our organizations’ further position as the investigation expands.”

Read More: Reading Mayor Responds to Sunday’s Officer-involved Shooting

Monday afternoon, the Mayor of Reading, Eddie Moran, responded by releasing a statement.

“I trust the process will follow its course, and more details will be available as it progresses. All video footage from the incident is being analyzed by the District Attorney’s Office and is an integral part of the investigation.”

Read More: Armed Person in Critical Condition after being Shot by Reading Police

According to Berks County Detectives, on Sunday morning, the Reading Police Department received a 911 call reporting a subject with a gun, in the 800 block of Franklin Street. While responding, officers observed an individual in possession of a gun.

Following several commands by Police to drop the weapon, the individual refused and continued to point the weapon at officers. As a result, officers fired shots at the individual, who was struck “at least one time”.

As with all officer-involved shootings in Berks County, the case is being investigated by the Berks County Districts Attorney’s Office. At this time, the DA has not released any additional information, only stating the individual shot by Police was taken to Reading Hospital and remains in critical condition.

- Advertisement -
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital newspaper covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Subscribe today: berksweekly.com/subscribe
Reading
mist
47 ° F
48.3 °
45.5 °
80 %
1.3mph
100 %
Thu
48 °
Fri
53 °
Sat
54 °
Sun
61 °
Mon
52 °

Latest News

34,851FansLike
93,750FollowersFollow
2,008SubscribersSubscribe