CLEVELAND- Mayor Frank Jackson discussed the City of Cleveland’s response to the civil lawsuit filed by the family of 12-year-old Tamir Rice.
On Nov. 22, a 911 caller reported a male with a gun at the Cudell Recreation Center. After Cleveland police arrived, one officer shot Rice, who died the next day. Police later learned the weapon was airsoft.
In court documents, the city said Rice failed to exercise due care.
During his news conference on Monday, Jackson and law director Barbara Langhenry apologized for the language in the city’s response. Jackson called the document’s phrasing inappropriate and insensitive to Rice and his family.
“This is not the character or personality of the city of Cleveland,” Jackson said, “to be that insensitive to the family or even the victim.”
Monday night, Tamir’s mother, Samaria Rice, told FOX 8’s Kevin Freeman:
“I appreciate him (the mayor) sending his condolences. My main concern is looking for justice for my son.”
Tamir’s family will hold a press conference Tuesday morning at 11; we will carry that for you right here on FOX8.com.
In December, Rice’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, accusing the officers of excessive force, assault and battery.
Watch an extended portion of the press conference below:
More stories on Tamir Rice here.
