The feds have agreed to look into controversial shootings on the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans in the days following Hurricane Katrina. The shootings left two dead and four wounded, and the victims' family members and Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office requested the Justice Department investigate. "As a result of this productive dialog and referral to us, the Civil Rights Division, FBI and our U.S. Attorney's Office will utilize as much time and resources as necessary to determine whether there are any prosecutable violations of federal criminal laws in this matter," U.S. Attorney Jim Letten said in a news release. Survivors say they were "unarmed and ambushed" by police officers as they tried to cross the bridge. [NOLA]
"…our U.S. Attorney's Office will utilize as much time and resources as necessary to determine whether there are any prosecutable violations of federal criminal laws in this matter,"
Translation:
"We talk a good game, but that's about it. Don't hold your breath looking for swift justice. We're not going to expend ourselves unduly because someone killed and injured poor, disposessed black people during the Katrina crisis."
The very fact that an investigation had to be forced open is a strong indication of exactly how low a priority this case will be given.