Police in Lancaster, Pennsylvania arrested eight demonstrators on Monday (Sept. 14) after people took to the streets to protest the deadly officer shooting of 27-year-old Ricardo Munoz. According to Lancaster Online, at least six of the eight people arrested have had bails set at $1 million and are facing felony arson, riot and vandalism charges, among others.
The Lancaster Police Department has accused the arrested individuals of causing damage to the police station, a parked car and a US Post Office building and for allegedly starting a fire. Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman condemned the $1 million bail on Monday, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional” and a serious infringement on protesters’ Eighth Amendment right.
CNN reports that detectives are currently reviewing social media footage from the protest in an effort to identify any other protesters. According to Lancaster Police Chief Jarrad Berkihiser, protests on Sunday night (Sept. 13) were peaceful and the alleged property damage did not occur until Monday morning.
“We need the community to come together and we want the community to stay calm, stay at peace and allow this process to play out,” he said during a press conference. “Any loss of life — regardless of how it happens — is devastating.”
As reported by REVOLT, over 100 demonstrators took to the streets to demand justice for Ricardo Munoz, who was gunned down by cops on Sunday. According to the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, an officer was responding to a domestic disturbance call around 4:15 p.m. from a woman who said that her brother — Munoz — was trying to break into their mother’s home and acting aggressively.
Body camera footage of the incident showed a woman run out of the house as the officer approached the scene. Munoz then emerged from the home — appearing to be carrying a knife — and the officer fired shots at him.
An investigation into Munoz’s death has been launched by the county’s district attorney and the officer involved has been placed on leave. The police department is also reportedly looking into whether or not its officers have been following policies and training protocols correctly.
“This has been a heartbreaking day for our city,” Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace said on Sunday. “I grieve for the loss of life and know that there are more questions to be answered as the investigation continues.”