A couple of weeks ago the state of Washington banned profiling of motorcyclists by police officers. Seems like the Governor was not well served by her staff....
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire said Wednesday she's not changing any security procedures after discovering that a biker who shot and killed a Portland, Ore., police officer decades ago showed up at a recent bill signing.
Robert Christopher was convicted of killing officer David Crowther during a drug raid in 1979, but he was released from prison after less than two years due to police misconduct in his case. He was among a group of bikers who stood near Gregoire on April 13 as she signed a bill prohibiting law enforcement from profiling motorcyclists for sporting club colors or logos.
She said she's aware of grumblings from some law enforcement officials about Christopher's presence, but said bill signings are open to the public and that's how it should be. Attendees do not have to pass through metal detectors.
"Those folks who showed up last week, I didn't know them; I'd never met them before; I didn't know anything about their backgrounds. They came in here just like anybody else would," she said. "I don't screen people; it's a free process here for people to come in and observe if they choose."
Christopher shot Crowther on Dec. 12, 1979, when the plainclothes patrol officer entered the Outsiders motorcycle clubhouse on a drug raid. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but served less than two years after an internal police investigation revealed that officers lied to obtain a search warrant used in the raid and brought drugs with them to plant at the club...
Yes Governor, I can understand why the cops were pissed off. If you signed a bill on child molestation and at the signing there was a child rapist present, don't you think the people might be a little upset? Next time just at the very least act like you are embarrassed and say "It won't happen again....". Might help smooth some ruffled feathers.
Crowther was a criminal with a badge. He was part of a police gang that conducted home invasion burglaries under the color of law. Christopher did no wrong in defending himself against a violent invasion by armed criminals and no LEO should hold his actions against him.
ReplyDeleteAnon
ReplyDeleteDon't don't the details of the case you're referring to but still having the man there would cause a few eyes to be raised. Better to not have him there at this bill's signing.