Mayor Buttigieg requests assistance of the Department of Justice

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Mayor Pete Buttigieg revealed earlier this week he had written a letter to the Department of Justice for any assistance they could provide following the shooting of a black man by a South Bend Police officer. We obtained the letter through a public records request.

Here is the text of the letter:

Dear Assistant Attorney General Dreiband,

I am the Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. On Sunday, June 16, 2019, a member of our community, Eric Logan, was shot by another member of our community, South Bend Police Officer Ryan O’Neill.

The tragedy has touched off a painful discussion in our community about race, policing, and violence. Many South Bend residents, concerned about racial issues and their impact on our department, believe that the Department of Justice could be of assistance. As Mayor of South Bend, I consider it imperative that there be absolutely no racism in our city’s Police Department, and I welcome support in ensuring that no appearance or reality of racial bias impact our City’s law enforcement.

In accordance with our protocol for officer-involved shootings, an investigation was launched by the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit (“CMHU”). Last week, our County Prosecutor, who oversees this unit, announced that the matter will be turned over to a special prosecutor to determine if criminal charges are appropriate. Even as we await the naming of a special prosecutor, many in the community continue to urge me to contact your Department.

I welcome the opportunity to learn more about ways the U.S. Department of Justice could assist our community. I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this further.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.