Daniel Buckingham
In June 2021, 31-year-old Daniel Buckingham was shot and killed by police officers in Hilo, Hawaii.
Police were responding an alarm in a residential building. When the officers arrived on the scene, a man, later identified as Buckingham, emerged from one of the bedrooms, armed with two knives, and allegedly attacked one of the officers.
According to police, colleagues of the wounded officer immediately opened fire on the man, mortally wounding him. An autopsy revealed that Buckingham died from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Police said the final autopsy report is awaiting the results of a toxicology test.
In August 2021, the Buckingham family filed a lawsuit against the police. His relatives claim that the police broke into his house, did not identify themselves and simply pointed their weapons at him. The man’s relatives believe that the police officers frightened him with their behavior, and then used it to justify his murder.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
The Buckinghams said police have “stonewalled” providing information to them. “We want to shine a light on the truth and find out what really happened, even if it’s hard for us to hear,” Mary Buckingham said.
Detroit Free Press
“So who is lunging at who, is very hard to accept the police version that he lunged at them,” attorney representing Buckingham’s parents said. “They’re outside the room coming in with guns drawn. And he doesn’t know who they are because they haven’t said who’s coming in.”
Detroit Free Press
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.
Letter to Biden
Letter to Garland
