As police brutality attorneys, we stand with Delpeche’s family in their call for transparency. His cousins demand the release of body camera footage to clarify what truly happened. Despite claims by the NYPD that officers showed “restraint,” family members are rightfully questioning whether the officers’ decision to discharge their weapons in a crowded subway station was reckless and avoidable.
Body cameras are designed to ensure accountability and to provide an objective account of events when situations escalate, as this one did. The footage could be crucial in determining whether the officers followed proper protocols and if there were sufficient attempts to de-escalate the situation before resorting to lethal force.
The NYPD’s narrative has already shifted, particularly regarding Mickles’ knife, which they now say was taken from the scene by an unknown individual. Inconsistent details like this underscore the importance of public access to the footage. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and members of the City Council have echoed these calls, arguing that the public deserves to see exactly how events unfolded.
Unfortunately, this tragic event is not an isolated case. Over the years, numerous individuals—innocent bystanders, victims of police brutality, and their families—have had to fight for access to body cam footage that should be readily available. The use of excessive force by police, especially in densely populated areas, is a growing concern in New York City and across the nation.
Gregory Delpeche’s family is now facing the unimaginable—seeing their loved one fighting for his life after an incident that never should have happened. Doctors have removed part of Delpeche’s skull to relieve swelling in his brain, and he remains in critical condition. His family’s pain is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the shooting. They have the right to demand answers, and so does the public.
As police brutality attorneys, we advocate for accountability, and we believe that transparency is a fundamental step toward justice. The release of the body camera footage in this case is not only essential for Delpeche’s family to seek the truth, but it’s also a crucial part of holding law enforcement responsible when their actions harm innocent people.
We urge the NYPD and city officials to release the body cam footage immediately. The public deserves to know the truth, and families like Delpeche’s deserve justice. If the officers involved in this shooting acted recklessly or failed to follow proper de-escalation tactics, they must be held accountable for their actions. Only through transparency and accountability can we ensure that tragic incidents like this do not continue to occur.