WARNING: graphic violence
A Virginia man is in critical condition after being shot by a sheriff's deputy multiple times. After vocal outcry from his family and the public, the department released the bodycam footage of the incident.
Isaiah Brown, 32, is in the hospital in intensive care after the officer allegedly mistook a cordless phone he was holding for a gun. As a result, the deputy shot Brown 10 times.
This led to public outcry over another unarmed Black man being shot by law enforcement.
Brown called emergency services earlier that night on April 21 because his car had broken down. A deputy was dispatched to assist and gave Brown a ride home.
However, emergency services was called again due to a domestic dispute at the Brown residence. The same deputy responded to the call, where Brown and his brother had gotten into a fight.
Outside the home, the deputy shot Brown ten times.
Tazmon Brown, Brown's brother provided more information as to what happened, but it just leaves more questions than answers.
He said:
"The officer just started shooting at him for no reason. I didn't hear a warning shot. All I heard was 'Hands up!' one time."
"And all he had was his phone, so I know he put his hands up."
Yolanda Brown, the victim's sister, said:
"I'm just still trying to figure out where he felt the threat at, to feel the need to shoot."
Initially, the family and the public were told the bodycam footage wouldn't be released to the public because the Virginia State Police had opened an investigation into the incident.
However, after public outcry, and pressure from the family's lawyers, the 911 call and part of the footage was released on Friday.
WARNING: viewer discretion is advised
In the above video, the 911 call shows Brown called because of an argument with his brother. While on the line with the operator, he threatened to kill his brother, but also confirmed he did not have a weapon.
After walking down the road from his house, still on the phone with the dispatcher, the deputy arrived. The deputy immediately yelled for Brown to show his hands and drop the gun, claiming Brown had a gun to his head, which was presumably the phone Brown was using to call 911.
The dispatcher told Brown to put his hands up.
The deputy yelled for Brown to stop walking before opening fire.
State police confirmed Brown was unarmed when the shooting occurred. David Hynes, Brown's lawyer, said in a statement there is no indication Isaiah did anything other than comply with the officer.
Brown had 10 bullet wounds, with injuries to his face, neck, chest, and pelvic area according to the family. He's on a ventilator with serious injuries.
The deputy involved was placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation by the Virginia State Police and a special prosecutor appointment to oversee the case.
However, many online can't help but point out the double standard on display. This is yet another Black man shot by police who was unarmed and complying with orders who called 911 for help.
It frustrated many people.
Brown is another in an unfortunately long line of people of color killed by law enforcement.
Brown's is expected to eventually recover according to doctors.
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