NAACP has no comment on Heard shooting video

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A surveillance video from the shooting of Roger Heard, Jr. became available on Sunday. The local branch of the NAACP, however, says they currently have no comment.

The organization says they are giving the family grieving time.

They are also awaiting additional contextual information, such as police audio.

Read their full statement:

The Chattanooga Hamilton County Branch of the NAACP recognizes the pain of the family as they viewed the video showing issues leading to Mr. Heard’s death. Therefore, we respect the grieving period of the family and have no comment on the released video.

We realize that a portion of the video was shared with the community on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Regretfully, as of this time, the total video from the Speedway, nor the police video and audio or live stream from other sources in police custody has been released. As we continue to gather facts and other contextual information pertaining to this incident, we are renewing our call for the public release of the vital information.

Complete closure will not exist until all information is made available to the family and the public taxpayers.

Let us remember the Heard family in our prayers.

Click here to see the video and District Attorney Coty Wamp’s statement on its release.