Prosecutor Finds Fatal Shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. Justified

The deputies who shot Andrew Brown Jr. in the back of the head as he attempted to drive away were justified in the fatal shooting because the officers "reasonably believed" they were in danger, according to District Attorney Andrew Womble. Womble last week held a press conference and declined to file charges against Pasquotank County, N.C., sheriff's deputies in the shooting last month in Elizabeth City. His decision followed an inquiry by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which presented its findings to the prosecutor. (See NPR article here)

Brown, 42, was shot and killed in his car by deputies as they arrived to carry out warrants in drug-related charges in Elizabeth City on April 21. According to journalists who have reviewed the body camera recordings, 12 of the 13 shots fired by deputies were fired when Brown was driving away from the deputies, and posed no immediate threat.

NCDP Chair Bobbie Richardson issued the following statement after the decision: “North Carolina deserves a system that works to deliver justice, protects our communities, and serves the people -- not one that allows law enforcement to become warriors against our own citizens. We must put a stop to the use of excessive force and work to find solutions that will prevent implicit biases from shaping perceptions and actions. I am deeply troubled by the lack of transparency and accountability that has led us to this point and I look forward to the findings of the FBI’s civil rights investigation.”

Trump to Headline North Carolina's GOP Convention on June 5

(From NCDP) The NC GOP’s decision to have the disgraced former president headline their state convention proves one thing: It’s clearer than ever that there is no daylight between today’s North Carolina Republican Party and Donald Trump. They have fully embraced his ‘Big Lie’ that the 2020 election was stolen. They stood by him even as his actions led to a violent and deadly insurrection at the Capitol. They even censured Senator Richard Burr, one of their own, to prove their allegiance.

While the Republican Party has chosen to throw our democracy by the wayside, President Biden and Democrats are hard at work undoing the damage of the Trump administration, delivering on their promises, and getting our country back on track.

Democratic Board of Elections Nominees Chosen in May 17 Meeting

Party Chair Andre Brown's full slate of proposed nominees to New Hanover County Board of elections was approved in a Zoom meeting of the New Hanover Democratic Party Executive Committee on May 17. The nominees are Evelyn Adger Bryant (Chair), Derrick Miller (Board Member), Lyana Hunter (Board Member), and Oliver Carter III (Alternate).

County Boards of Elections in North Carolina are composed of five appointment members, according to the board of elections Website. Four members are appointed by the NC State Board of Elections: two Democrats and two Republicans. The Chair is appointed by the Governor. The Board of Elections is responsible for conducting all federal, state, and local elections held within the County. The Board appoints all chief judges, judges, assistants, and other officers of elections and is responsible for investigating irregularities, nonperformance of duties, and violations of laws by election officers and other persons.

Congratulations to Newly-Elected 7th Congressional District Officers

The Seventh Congressional District Democratic Party organization elected new officers for 2021-2023. They are:

Congratulations to all! Because Sonya was re-elected chair of the 7th Congressional District, we now have a vacancy for an NHCDP SEC member which we will fill on June 21st. See details below.

EVENTS

Steve Miller Meet & Greet -- June 4

When: Friday, June 4, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. 4th Street, Wilmington

Steve Miller, candidate for the 7th U.S. Congressional District seat now held by David Rouzer, will meet with supporters and other members of the public. Pizza will be provided for attendees.

In-Person County Executive Committee Meeting Will Choose New SEC Member -- June 21

When: Monday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: NHCDP HQ, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington NC

This will be the first in-person countywide meeting since February 2020.

Sonya Bennetone-Patrick has been elected Chair of the 7th Congressional District Democratic Party. As a result, she will also be an ex-officio member of the State Executive Committee, freeing up a New Hanover SEC seat. We plan to fill the vacant SEC seat at this meeting. The vote will require that a quorum be present, so if you are a Precinct Chair or Vice Chair, a CEC Officer, or an SEC member, please plan to attend or send a proxy. Pursuant to Section 12.05 of the Plan of Organization, CEC members who are unable to attend may appoint a proxy to attend the meeting on their behalf, so long as they notify the NHCDP Chair or Secretary, in writing, before the meeting is called to order. If you are a CEC member and are unable to attend, please send a proxy to represent you. If you are a precinct officer, you should designate an active Democrat from your precinct.

Upcoming Democratic Events To Note On Your Calendar

2021 Summer SEC Meeting – Saturday, August 7th.

James Cummings and Richard Poole

If you have any announcements, comments, questions or concerns regarding this email series, please contact the Editor here.

Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party

Mailing Address:

NHCDP

PO Box 3446

Wilmington, NC 28412

Office Address:

5041 New Centre Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

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