NY State Senator Diaz Tells NYPD: Stop Killing Black & Brown People

Leader Criticizes NYPD Over Deadly Shooting Of Unarmed Black Man
State Senator Ruben Diaz called on the NYPD Thursday to examine its use of force in non-white communities.

Diaz read off the names of unarmed black and Hispanic men killed by police in New York City. He was flanked by the family of Fermin Arzu, the unarmed man who was shot and killed by an off-duty officer last Friday night.

"Police keep killing black and Hispanic unarmed people,” said Diaz. “They don't do that in other communities. They don't do that in white areas, so what's happening. It is not the salary, because they both are getting the salary. What is going on? Is it the training?"

There will be a rally before the victim of the police shooting is laid to rest on Saturday.

Fermin Arzu was shot and killed by an off-duty officer in the Longwood section of the Bronx. Police say Arzu was driving down Hewitt Place in the wrong direction when he hit a parked car.

Officer Raphael Lora lives nearby and came out to investigate. Police say Arzu tried to drive away, and Lora fired five shots, killing the Honduran immigrant.

Community groups have been calling for the city to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. Officer Lora was placed on administrative duty.

The rally will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the National Action Network headquarters in Harlem. Arzu's funeral will then be held at 3 p.m. at the Ortiz Funeral Home on Unionport Road in the Bronx. [MORE]