Police Shooting of Sean Bell, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield

By now just about every New Yorker has heard what happened: Just after 4:00 a.m. last Saturday morning (November 25), five police officers fired at least 50 rounds into an automobile driven by 23-year-old Sean Bell, who, along with two passengers, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were leaving Mr. Bell's bachelor party at a nearby nightclub. Mr. Bell, set to marry the mother of his three-year-old and five-month-old daughters later that day, was hit four times and pronounced dead on arrival at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
Mr. Guzman was shot 11 times. Mr. Benefield was shot three times. At least 21 bullets pierced the vehicle in which the three young men were riding. No guns were found on the victims, in the car, or at the scene.
Not enough facts are known to draw conclusions, except for the indisputable fact that two little girls have been deprived of their father and a bereaved bride-to-be has been robbed of the love of her life. Sean Bell’s fiance, children, family, friends, and community deserve a definitive explanation.
It is hard to understand why five police officers found it necessary to fire 50 rounds into a vehicle with three unarmed individuals inside. Why did one officer empty his clip, reload, and almost empty a second? Even if the officers thought the men were armed, why didn’t they clearly identify themselves and simply order the three men to raise their hands and get out of their car?
There are other questions: What are the NYPD’s protocols in such situations? Were they followed? If not, why not? What did the supervising officer on the scene do? Why do these kinds of incidents with rare exception happen almost exclusively to Blacks? If this is not excessive force, what is?
Truth and justice demand unvarnished answers. The unity of the city demands an investigation conducted with transparency, thoroughness, and priority.
Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly have done much to improve police-community relations. This incident is a severe setback to their efforts. However, Monday’s press conference following a City Hall meeting with clergy, elected officials, and community activists clearly demonstrated that this is not the insensitive and indifferent administration we faced following the Diallo shooting almost seven years ago.
Yet, the burden is on Commissioner Kelly, the NYPD, Mayor Bloomberg, and Queens County District Attorney Richard Brown to demonstrate to all New Yorkers that an investigation will be conducted in a manner that inspires confidence, reveals the full truth, administers a full measure of justice, and brings the city together. The burden is on all of us to respond to this tragic challenge with determination and perseverance, avoiding divisiveness and refusing to be distracted by platitudes or provocations.
I have spoken to the families of all of the victims. I have heard their cries. I ask all New Yorkers of good faith to keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and in particular to shelter Mr. Bell's daughters and fiance with love and support throughout the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.