№00175

John Albers

John Albers, 17, was shot and killed by police officers in Overland Park, Kansas.

In January 2018, Albers’ friends called police because he had posted messages with suicidal ideations on social media. His friends wanted police to check him. When an officer who was responding the call arrived, Albers was slowly backing minivan out of the garage. The officer fired 11 shots at the vehicle. Albers died at the scene.

There is a video of the incident, but police still say the shooting was justified because the officer thought his life was in danger.

The teen’s family filed a lawsuit against the city and the police department, and in March 2021 the FBI launched its own investigation into the case. In September 2021 interview with the police officer was released.

СМИ

MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:

“We wonder why there are these cries for justice everywhere,” Albers’ mother said. “It’s because the system is allowing municipalities to cut these back- room deals to limit their liability and protect the officer rather than public safety and ordinary people. They made sure that officer could find another job!”
KCTV

“The FBI investigation highlights the failure of Overland Park and District Attorney Steve Howe to be transparent in their investigations and be accountable to their constituents,” Albers’ mother said.
Up Worthy

FILES

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.