1:35 PM: Well, I’ve been on the edge of my seat to know what DA Gascon’s “decision” is, haven’t you? Are you ready? Here we go:
“When we first became aware of the allegations against San Francisco police officers involved in arrests at the Henry Hotel, I directed my office to open an investigation into the officers and their alleged conduct. New information has come to light that indicates it is better to turn over this investigation to the FBI.
I have spoken to the US Attorney, Melinda Haag, and she has agreed to take over the full investigation. We will of course cooperate fully with the FBI, and provide whatever assistance they need from us.” -DISTRICT ATTORNEY GEORGE GASCÃN
Gascon, who as recently as last week said that he saw “absolutely no reason why I should recuse myself” from the case, has stepped away from the investigation of what’s looking to be a pretty interesting probe into the conduct of several SFPD officers.
So, what was this new information that helped Gascon make that decision? According to Bay City News, spokespeople for the district attorney’s office were not immediately available to answer that question, or to otherwise comment. But Public Defender Jeff Adachi, who had called for Gascon to recuse himself, sure was!
Adachi said in a phone interview today that he believes “it’s the right decision” to have federal authorities investigate the case, but said he “would like to know what the new information was.”
He said, “I look forward to their investigation, and I’m hoping that they are transparent, particularly since there are many more cases which may have been affected by the misconduct.”
12:27 PM: The San Francisco “DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN POLICE OFFICER INVESTIGATION,” hollered an email that just hit our inbox. What kind of announcement? Can we even have a hint?
Apparently not: all they tell us is that “District Attorney George Gascón will announce a decision regarding the investigation into allegations of police officer misconduct.”
A decision, eh? A decision like, “I have decided that this looks really sketchy“?
Or “I have decided that this looks way more fun when it happens on The Shield”?
Or maybe it’ll be “I have decided, fuck this shit, I’m going to Chicago!”
The “decision” goes down at 1 today, at the DA’s office (850 Bryant St Rm 322). Of course, we’ll update when we know what the big decision is. Until then, please do feel free to speculate in the comments.
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