The United States has seen several waves of mass protests against police violence in recent months. The most recent police shooting took place on February 10, when the officers in the city of Pasco, Washington killed an unarmed Mexican immigrant who was throwing rocks at cars.
The letter by District Attorney Jackie Lacey, released Monday, said that there was "insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt" that the officers "did not act in self-defense and in the defense of others" when they killed 51-year-old National Guard veteran Brian Beaird.
The shooting followed an hour-long pursuit in downtown Los Angeles for reckless driving that ended with Beaird's Corvette hitting another car and seriously injuring its driver. As Beaird walked out of his car, he was shot multiple times by the three officers and fell on the ground. Officers said thy believed the man was trying to reach for a weapon.
Beaird's father said he watched the chase and his son's killing live on television. Beaird's family reportedly received a $5-million settlement from the city of Los Angeles over the incident.
