News report released the day after the incident:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071015.BODY15/TPStory/TPNational/?page=rss&id=GAM.20071015.BODY15
Quote:
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Private security personnel were unable to deal with the man and contacted the RCMP office at the airport. RCMP officers tried to calm him down, repeatedly telling him to put his hands on the counter, police said, as he continued to pick up objects from the counter.
They interpreted his level of violence as escalating," Sgt. Lemaitre said. "He failed to recognize any demands he was asked. ... It was obvious to officers - he was sweating profusely - this was going to escalate."
After being tasered, the man fell to the ground but was still combative.
"It took three officers to handcuff him; he was still struggling," Sgt. Lemaitre said.
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CBC News clip:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8UQgC2AGm_U
Full video clip:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6wYEBd-Mpus
According to the RCMP spokesperson on the CBC news report, after the video was released to the public:
Quote:
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... But it's only one piece of evidence and one person's view; it's through the viewfinder of one individual
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Quite frankly, I didn't care much for this whole thing until now; it was tragic that the man died and I felt sorry for the family, but I mean he did behave aggressively at an airport, at least according to the RCMP, which in today's world is quite possibly the worst thing one can do that will get you in deep trouble quickly. But now that the video is out, I'm truly disgusted by the RCMP and their actions. Ok so everyone makes mistakes, and using the taser on the man who was quite clearly cooperating with his hands in the air (contrary to the initial RCMP statement) was a big mistake, but they will argue it was necessary, blah blah blah, and probably will get off the hook as the police always does. But to say that this video represents only one person's view as their defense for lying to the public in the first place is really something... I'm sure it's not the first time and it won't be the last time but it just makes me sick.
Also note how TASER international is busy covering their ass with a nice statement issued on CNN MONEY. This was the 16th death in Canada this year from taser use.