AUSTIN, Texas — Several civil-rights groups say they are opening a formal human and civil-rights investigation into the Austin Police Department and other Central Texas law enforcement agencies, nearly two weeks after three Austin police officers shot and killed 17-year-old Anthoneil Williams II.
The shooting happened July 24 at a neighborhood park near Baden Lane and Arborside Drive in Northeast Austin. Police responded to a 911 call reporting a teenager possibly holding a gun. Investigators later determined the call came from Williams’ own phone.
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Police say officers ordered Williams to show his hands. Video shows Williams lifting his shirt, reaching toward his waistband, then extending his hands toward officers. Three officers opened fire. Police later found a water bottle, not a gun.
The shooting has sparked anger and debate across Austin. Since the shooting, demonstrators have protested outside the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and at an Austin City Council meeting, calling for criminal charges and greater police accountability.
Black Lawyers for Justice, the Austin Justice Coalition and other civil-rights advocacy groups are hosting an emergency public civil-rights hearing at the Austin Justice Center from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Organizers say families, activists and legal advocates will testify, and that the hearing could lead to records requests, court action and calls for federal involvement.