officers - The Black Vault

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Allred said "there is no question
that excessive force was used" in
the King beating, but that the
public should be concerned about
the civil rights of the accused
police officers, and Gates, as well.
"I care about the rights of King,"
she said, "and yes, I care about the
civil' rights of Police Chief Daryl
Gates."
Gates received an ovation as he
steppea to the podium.
"I'm awed," he said. "I'm humbled."
The crowd, carrying pro-Gates
.banners and signs, began chanting,
"Gates must stay." Finally, Gates
made a familiar announcement, yet
the one everyone wanted to hear:
"Maybe we ought. to deal with
that issue right at the outset," he
said. "Folks, I am going to stay.'
Gates declared that· he, too, was
angry over the King beating. He
said the incident "would be forever
etched" in his mind and those of all
Los Angeles police officers, whose
reputations were called into question
after the incident. .. :.
But the chief also said that, ill'·:his
mind, the media has overplayed
the videotape of the Lake View
Terrace incident, which has been
seen many times on national television.
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Of the four 'officers charged in
the beating, Gates told the crowd
"they deserve to be heard. . ;. .
· They deserve a. fair trial."