There will be no charges against Wisconsin police officer Matt Kenny who shot and killed unarmed 19-year-old biracial Tony Robinson Jr.
Dane County District Attorney Ishmael Ozanne gave the decision on Tuesday despite fears that more protests would follow if the officer who shot Robinson wasn't charged. Ozanne said that the death of Robinson was caused by a "lawful use of deadly police force," USA Today reports.
A lawyer working for the Robinsons said many unanswered questions about the incident remain. Although Robinson's family was greatly disappointed with the decision, his mother, Andrea Irwin, said she will not accept the defeat and she will continue to fight for justice.
His grandmother, Sharon Irwin, commented, "This is politics and not justice," according to USA Today.
Protesters who gathered outside Robinson's apartment in the wake of the district attorney's announcement participated in a peaceful rally together with members of his family.
Speaking at a press conference, Ozanne gave a detailed explanation of the case, saying that Kenny responded to a 911 call made by Robinson's friends, who said the 19-year-old was under the influence of drugs and was acting crazy. After trying to choke one of them, Robinson then started attacking people in the streets and jumping in front of cars, obstructing traffic, according to reports.
Robinson ran inside an apartment where Kenny pursued him, drawing his gun before entering the building, according to reports. According to the police officer, Robinson attacked him when he was at the top of the stairs. Fearing Robinson would take his gun and shoot him, Kenny fired at the teen, BBC reports.
Autopsy reports revealed that marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and Xanax were found in Robinson's body. Addressing speculations that Robinson was shot in the back, Ozanne said, "All bullets hit Robinson from front to back," according to the New York Times.
Ozanne emphasized that his decision was not based on emotion but on the facts that came out during investigation as "guided by the rule of law."
He did not comment on issues of race, but he carefully began his explanation with a statement about his own background, himself being biracial.
"I am cognizant of the very real racial disparities and equity issues which exist in this county," he said.
