This week, an Elgin, Illinois police officer, Lieutenant Christian Jensen, shot and killed Decynthia Clements following a traffic stop.
Now, family, friends and community members are seeking justice and answers as to why Clements was shot and killed. On Wednesday activists protested for the second consecutive day in front of the police department demanding that body camera footage of the shooting be released, reports the Daily Herald.
"We don't want to lose momentum and we want to let them know this is a serious issue," co-organizer Corey Battles said.
Nearly 30 people attended the protest, and said that they will continue to show up until answers are given. A friend of Clements', Tanisha Farr, told the Herald, "Basically, we just want answers. We want to know what was the reason [Clements was killed]."
Clements, who was the mother of a 16-year-old son, was driving on Interstate 90 when she was pulled over. The reason for her stopped has not yet been revealed. At first, she refused to get out of her SUV, and held a knife in her hand while talking to the police. For an unknown reason, a fire broke out in her car, and police forcibly removed her. Following that removal, the shooting occurred.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mayor David Kaptain said the community needs time to heal before moving forward.
"I am saddened by the unfortunate situation that occurred early Monday morning which resulted in the death of Ms. Clements," Kaptain said. "There are still many questions unanswered, and I wish to remind all to please be patient. … Our police department continues to be open and transparent, and additional information will be shared with the public as soon as possible. The community needs to heal and it's important we continue to support the friends and family of Ms. Clements, our police department and one another."
Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said he did not know when the body camera video would be released, and added that the investigation into the shooting is now in the hands of the Illinois State Police Department.
Jensen, 19-year-veteran of the department, is currently on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Battles said he is fighting for an independent investigation. "We are not trying to turn this into a Ferguson situation or a riot," Battles said. "We are just trying to demand justice."