Saturday, during an appearance on CNN's "First of All," State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) responded to a claim from Jabari Peoples' family attorney, Leroy Maxwell, blaming legislation sponsored by Givan for the withholding of bodycam footage by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Peoples was allegedly fatally shot by a Homewood police officer on June 23 at Homewood Soccer Park.
"Representative Givan, let me read for you — because the audience has heard your explanation and I want to read for you what Leroy Maxwell, the attorney for the family, said," CNN host Victor Blackwell said. "He said that, 'Representative Givan is putting up smoke and mirrors in an attempt to distract from the fact that she is solely responsible for the Peoples' family not being able to view body cam footage. ALEA cited the law she sponsored as the reason that they are not releasing the footage.' Your response that he says you are the sole reason why this family cannot see this video."
Givan replied, "My response is the same as it was. It's absolute foolery that he would have made that statement because my bill was created for the purpose of starting or giving a family an opportunity, or their representative to get a foot in the door, whereas they had no opportunities. Not only that, I was not the only sponsor of the bill. The Democratic Black Caucus, 20-something individuals sponsored that bill. I stand by my position also because I was trying to assist in a legislative capacity."
"I had a conversation with Mr. Maxwell that I was going to make a call to ALEA, and ALEA was at that point going to allow the possibility of opening the doors to at least an initial review of the bodycam footage," she added. “I'm proud of the legislation that I sponsored as well as I thank those members of the Democratic Party. We're in a super majority red state here, and it is very difficult to get legislation passed, and hopefully, that body cam will be released. But I stand by my initial state."
"And I'm not wanting for smoke and mirrors," Givan continued. "That's the other thing."
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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