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Video Shows Texas Police Killing Black Man After Minor Traffic Violation as He Pleads “I Can’t Breathe”

HeadlineJun 09, 2020

A warning to our audience: This headline contains video of graphic police violence. Authorities in Austin, Texas, are facing new questions over the death of an African American man named Javier Ambler in March of last year. He died after being pulled over by Williamson County deputies after a chase that began when he failed to dim the headlights of his SUV while passing a deputy’s car. Newly released police body cam footage shows Ambler was repeatedly tased while he told the officers “I have congestive heart failure” and “I can’t breathe.”

Officer 1: “Other hand!”

Javier Ambler: “I’m about to get on my knees, sir.”

Officer 1: “Other hand!”

Javier Ambler: “I’m about to give it to you, sir.”

Officer 1: “Give me your hand!”

Officer 2: “Sir, I need you to comply.”

Javier Ambler: “Sir.”

Officer 2: “I’m going to tase you.”

Officer 1: “Flat on your stomach! Flat on your stomach!”

Javier Ambler: “Sir, I can’t breathe.”

Officer 1: “Flat on your stomach!”

Javier Ambler: “I can’t breathe!”

Officer 1: “Flat on your stomach! Flat on your stomach! Stop resisting.”

Officer 2: “Stop.”

Javier Ambler: “I can’t breathe!”

Officer 1: “Stop resisting.”

Officer 2: “Stop.”

Javier Ambler: “Sir!”

Officer 2: “You need to comply.”

Javier Ambler: “I’m not resisting!”

Officer 1: “Stop resisting!”

Javier Ambler: “I can’t breathe!”

Details about Amber’s death are only coming to light now after the Austin American-Statesman successfully forced the release of the police body cam footage and internal reports about the killing. Until last week, Ambler’s family only knew he died in police custody. His death was also filmed by A&E’s reality show “Live PD,” but the footage has never been publicly viewed. Ambler was a former postal worker and father of two. The Travis County district attorney has announced the case will go to a grand jury this summer.

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