Video of Castile Shooting Released
(Caution! Video contains graphic violence and strong language)
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - A video recording captured by the camera on the dashboard of a Saint Anthony Police Department squad car was released to the public today by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Ramsey County Attorney's Office. .
The video shows the traffic stop last July 8th that resulted in the death of a St. Paul man that sparked protests throughout the Twin Cities last summer. It was a key piece of evidence in the manslaughter trial of former Saint Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez, which ended last Friday afternoon with a not guilty verdict.
The video clearly shows the officer repeatedly shooting 32-year-old Philando Castile, but does not show what Castille is doing inside his car after he notify the officer he was in possession of a firearm. Yanez clearly instructs Castile not to reach for the weapon, and it appears Castile responds that he is not, but the officer then shouts at him, “don’t pull it out!” just before Yanez reaches in the car with his left hand while pulling out his gun and opening fire with his right hand.
The entire deadly exchange takes mere seconds to unfold, starting when the officer informs Castile the was stopped because his brake lights were not working properly.
The rest of the video, filled with frequent swearing by Yanez, shows other officers arriving and administering first aid the to the fatally wounded motorist. It also includes some statements by Yanez that he thought Castile was reaching for a gun