SELLS, Ariz. (AP) — The Tohono O'odham Nation in southern Arizona on Friday blasted the decision by the U.S. Attorney's Office not to prosecute Border Patrol agents who shot and killed a member of the tribe after they were summoned by tribal police.
The tribe's executive office called the decision not to file charges “a travesty of justice.”“There are countless questions left unanswered by this decision.
As a result, we cannot and will not accept the U.S. Attorney’s decision,” said a statement signed by Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon M. Jose and Vice Chairwoman Carla L. Johnson.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Arizona and Arizona-based representatives for U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond Friday to emails requesting comment.
Political Cartoons View All 1211 ImagesThe shooting occurred after Border Patrol agents were called to the area by the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department for help responding to a report of shots fired.
Persons:
”, Tohono O’odham, Verlon M, Jose, Carla L, Johnson, Raymond Mattia, Mattia, “ He’s
Organizations:
U.S, Attorney's, Border, Tohono, U.S . Customs, Border Patrol, Nation Police Department, CBP, Pima County Medical, Office
Locations:
Arizona, U.S, Mexico, The U.S, Pima County