Rev. Al Sharpton called for a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Chris Ridley Sunday at his second press conference on the incident.
Sharpton was accompanied by Rev. Franklyn Richardson and Ridley's parents at the conference. The reverend says previous reports detailing the cop's death are false and claims nine shots were fired at Ridley.
The two reverends say Ridley had asked for assistance from county police to stop homeless ex-convict Anthony Jacobs from assaulting another man. Sharpton and Richardson also claim the slain cop was left bleeding on the street for 20 minutes without medical attention.
Sharpton and Richardson maintain the officers who shot Ridley acted hastily because Ridley was black. The men believe Ridley's death is symbolic of the unfair treatment blacks receive from law enforcement. Sharpton is calling for justice for Ridley.
"Those policeman should not be on regular duty until this investigation is over," says Sharpton. "There also must be oversight from the Justice Department."White Plains police are expected to search for more witnesses Monday at the scene of the shooting.
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