ABQ Council Hears More on Police Shootings

The City Council tonight heard from about a dozen activists and family members of people shot and killed by police.

That’s not unusual. But tonight the message was a little different, as many of the speakers expressed gratitude that the Department of Justice will investigate whether APD has a pattern or practice of violating people’s civil rights.

The DOJ announcement was last week.

My main story in tomorrow’s paper will focus on the family’s testimony. City councilors and the administration didn’t make any public comments in response to the testimony.

The council also elected Dan Lewis to serve as president. It was unanimous, but not without some laughs.

Trudy Jones accidentally nominated Don Harris for the job. I’m told she just misspoke.

In any case, Harris declined the nomination and — after a good chuckle — Lewis was approved unanimously. Lewis is a Republican from the northern West Side.

Finally, a bill to overhaul the Barelas rail-yards advisory board was postponed for 30 days.