Guest Opinion | Councilmember John Kennedy: “We Need an Expedited, Yet Thorough, Investigation in McClain Shooting”

August 20, 2020

Dear Pasadena,

I have viewed what videos and photographs that were shared with me by City Manager Steve Mermell of the Offìcer-Involved Shooting of Mr. Anthony McClain that took place on Saturday, 15 August. Mr. McClain’s death is tragic.

Some may seek to demean Mr. McClain to dehumanize his existence. But the fair-minded will acknowledge Mr. McClain’s humanity and deep connections to Pasadena. Mr. McClain literally may have hundreds of relatives in The Greater Pasadena Area. Mr. McClain leaves behind 2 young children. I have spoken to Mr. McClain’s 89-year-old grandmother and his stepmother. Quite naturally, both are upset and desire a comprehensive investigation of what happened. I provide my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Anthony McClain’s Family.

The facts surrounding the shooting are unfortunate and extremely troubling to me. There are many unanswered questions and the shooting, policies of the police department, body-worn cameras, and training of our police personnel must undergo thorough and impartial examination.

I do not have all of the facts at this point. However, please know that I urged Police Chief John Perez and City Manager Steve Mermell to release and publish prominently, with all deliberate speed, all audio and video of the incident in the possession of the Pasadena Police Department.

The Pasadena Police Department will investigate the officer-involved shooting and facts that pertain to the shooting to determine if the shooting was within or outside of policy. The District Attorney’s office will decide whether the actions of the officer involved in the shooting were justified or not. The District Attorney’s office is the only agency tasked with making such a determination on criminal charges, unless the Federal Bureau of Investigation has an active role in investigating the matter.

City Manager Steve Mermell will engage outside professionals to review the findings of the Pasadena Police Department concerning the incident and will make the report public.

The investigations of the officer-involved shooting have already begun. They will take time and I am requesting that the processes be expedited, but thorough.

It remains my hope that the City Council will, without delay, swiftly adopt meaningful and real community oversight of the Pasadena Police Department.

Respectfully yours,

John J. Kennedy, Chair (Speaking for myself.) Public Safety Committee
100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S228 • Pasadena, California 91101 (626) 744-4738 • Fax (626) 744-3814 JohnJKennedy@cityofpasadena.net

Got something to say, email Managing Editor André Coleman, at andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com