The family of Daniel Lewis, a 27-year-old man shot and killed by police in Miami Gardens, is demanding answers and justice, following an incident involving local police and ATF agents that has raised concerns about law enforcement protocols. According to CBS News Miami, the family, alongside their attorney, Ariel Lett, has questioned the actions of the officers given that Lewis, reportedly did not fire his weapon and did not have a criminal record. "Why were they really following Daniel's family and friends in the first place? Why didn't officers or agents announce themselves as law enforcement knowing that they had unmarked vehicles, knowing that they were undercover, knowing that it was the dark of night?" Lett asked.
During a news conference, the family suggested that the incident may have violated the castle doctrine, which allows a person to defend their home against intruders, Lewis's sister was chased by unmarked vehicles, leading to her calling for help from her brother, Daniel who did not know that the pursuers were law enforcement officers, as per information reported by Local 10 News, police claimed Lewis appeared to have fired a weapon but attorneys for the family argue that none of the found shell casings matched the gun owned by Lewis, leaving many questions unanswered.
Angela Lewis, mother of the deceased, recounted the harrowing moment of her son's death to CBS News Miami, stating, "I watched my son take his last breath and it's the hardest thing a mother could ever do and all we want to know is why, why did this have to happen?" Highlighting the gravity of the situation, an FBI Miami spokesperson mentioned that they would refrain from commenting on the ongoing investigation out of respect for its substance, while an MGPD spokesperson indicated that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI are investigating the incident, which limits the Miami Gardens Police Department's ability to comment further at this time.
Meanwhile, as the investigation unfolds, the context of rising violence in the area cannot be ignored, and officials have increased their efforts to combat it, a resident revealed to Hoodline, "We were scared," this event continues a series of recent violent incidents in Miami Gardens, including targeted and gang-related shootings, in attempts to curb such activities Miami Gardens Police officers and ATF agents have intensified their patrols. Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt emphasized their stance post-incident, "If folks feel that they can come out here and be brazen enough to commit this violent crime and fire upon our law enforcement officers, we will deal with them accordingly." Despite the tragedy and its subsequent turmoil, Angela Lewis calls for peace and clarity on the events that led to the loss of her son.
