Another Day, Another Horrifying Video of a Black Man’s Death at the Hands of Police

32-year-old Philando Castile Killed During Apparent Routine Traffic Stop in Minnesota

For the second time in as many days, horrifying video footage (above) has emerged of a black man’s fatal shooting at the hands of police.

Less than 48 hours after 37-year-old Alton Sterling was shot to death while pinned to the ground by two officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 32-year-old Philando Castile was killed during a routine traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota — between Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

According to Facebook video of the aftermath of Castile’s shooting posted by his girlfriend, identified as Diamond Reynolds, the couple had been pulled over for a defective taillight. Reynolds’ 4-year-old daughter was also in the vehicle. 

After being asked to produce his driver’s license and registration, Castile informed the officer he was licensed to carry a firearm and had one in his possession, according to Reynolds’ narration in the video. As Castile reached for his wallet, the officer told him not to move. As he began to put his hands back up, the officer fired four to five shots.

 In the video, which begins after the shooting, Castile is shown slumped over in the driver’s seat, covered in blood. The officer’s weapon can still be seen pointed at Castile through the driver’s window. 

“Fuck,” the officer exclaims. “I told him not to reach for it.”  

“You told him to get his ID sir,” Reynolds responds.    

“Oh my God, please don’t tell me he’s dead,” Reynolds says. “Please, officer, don’t tell me that you just did this to him.”

Police then order Reynolds out of the car, where she’s handcuffed and placed in the back of a squad car with her daughter. 

“The police just shot him for no apparent reason, no reason at all,” Reynolds says as she continues filming. 

When she begins to cry, her daughter — who could be heard sobbing earlier in the video — tries to comfort her.  

“It’s OK, I’m right here with you,” the daughter says. 

The officer, a five-year veteran of the force, has been placed on administrative leave, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating, according to a report from NBC News. 

Castile worked as a kitchen supervisor for the St. Paul school district, and his uncle, Clarence Castile, described him as “a good kid.” 

“My nephew was executed,” Clarence Castile said. “They are going to try and make my nephew out to be a bad guy and get away with murdering another young black man.”

Protesters reportedly gathered near the scene of the shooting, as well as outside the governor’s mansion, overnight.