Mayor says police shooting of Che Taylor appears justified, but will await probe before making judgment



SEATTLE -- Mayor Ed Murray said Wednesday the police shooting that killed a black man in the Wedgwood neighborhood last Sunday appeared justified, based on the information he had received from the police chief. But, he added, "we have to wait before we make a judgment."

The family of Che Taylor and the NAACP on Tuesday called the shooting "cold-blooded murder." The Seattle Police Department said Taylor was reaching toward a gun when officers opened fire.

In an interview with Q13 News Wednesday night, Murray defended the progress the department has made at rooting out excessive force in the department.

"I think we are leading the nation," Murray said. "Just to give you an example, the video of this shooting was out in less than 24 hours. You can't find that anywhere in the country."

Asked if he is convinced the shooting was justified, Murray said, "I think we need to look at the data. I mean, based on the information the chief gave me, it would appear that way, but as I said before, we have to wait. We have to wait before we make a judgment."

The two officers involved in the shooting are on paid leave while the department investigates.