ACLU-PA Statement on Criminal Homicide Charges against East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld, who Fatally Shot Antwon Rose Jr.

EAST PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Allegheny County District Attorney charged East Pittsburgh police officer Michael Rosfeld with criminal homicide on Wednesday in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antwon Rose Jr., court records show.

Reggie Shuford, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, issued the following statement in response:

“Too often, law enforcement use excessive or lethal force on people of color without any accountability or condemnation from the department or state prosecutors. The DA using his authority to criminally prosecute the officer is a necessary step for accountability.

“That said, the severity of the charge is still unclear. No one is above the law and we hope the charge is commensurate with the severity of the crime.

“The action should not stop here. Wide-reaching reforms must be implemented for the entire department so that officers do not repeat deadly mistakes. While policing is necessarily local in nature, internal reforms should serve as models for departments nationwide.”