Sandra Bland: Footage from the Arrest Appears Edited
Anger and speculation about Sandra Bland’s death in a Texas jail have escalated after newly released video showed what happened during the traffic stop that led to the women’s arrest, who was found hanged in jail cell three days later.
The footage from the dash cam video, released Tuesday, shows a heated confrontation when Texas state trooper Brian Encinia pulled Bland over on July 10 for allegedly failing to use her turn signal.
What began as a normal conversation escalates after Encinia asks Bland to put out her cigarette.
“I’m in my car,” she can be heard saying. “Why do I have to put out my cigarette?”
“You can step on out now,” Encinia replies.
When Bland refuses to get out of her car, the trooper opens her door and begins trying to pull her out.
The two continue to exchange words and Bland questions why she is being arrested, but the only explanation she is gives is, “I am giving you a lawful order.”
The arguing continues, then Encinia pulls out a taser, points it at Bland and screams, “Get out of the car! I will light you up! Get out! Now!”
“Wow, really, for a failure to signal? You’re doing all of this for a failure to signal?” Bland says as she exits the car.
What happens next is not seen on camera, but from the audio we know that the officer slams Bland on the ground because he says she isn’t being compliant.
The footage was released Tuesday by the Texas Department of Public Safety, but hours after it was posted, viewers pointed out a number moments where the video seems edited. For instance, a tow truck driver is seen exiting his truck. Then, 15 seconds later, he can be seen exiting his truck again without having ever returned. That image repeats several times.
In another area of the video, the same car appears repeatedly and makes the same left turn. Again, the audio was never interrupted.
The Department of Public Safety told TIME in an email that “the video has not been edited,” and officials were working to release an accurate version.
Bland was taken to jail and died in custody three days after her arrest. Her family, along with activists, have said they don’t buy the police explanation that she committed suicide, and Texas officials say they are investigating.
“DPS has been working closely with the family of Ms. Bland during this investigation, and the department extends our sincere condolences for their tragic loss,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “It is important that her family has confidence in the efficacy of this investigation, which is why the Waller County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney originally requested investigative assistance from the Texas Rangers; and it’s also why DPS requested the FBI assist in this investigation.”
Watch the full video below!
(Photo Credit: YouTube)
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