FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn., July 7 (UPI) -- Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton called on the U.S. Justice Department to launch an investigation into the fatal shooting of Philando Castile during a traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb.
Dayton also said he requested the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension begin an independent investigation into the Wednesday shooting. Castile and his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, were pulled over by St. Anthony Police for a broken tail light. Castile, 32, was shot in the arm while reaching for his wallet, Reynolds said. Reynolds captured the events immediately after the shooting on Facebook Live.
"This morning, I spoke by phone with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to request that the U.S. Department of Justice begin an immediate independent federal investigation into this matter," Dayton said in a written statement.
"Overnight, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension began an independent investigation at the state level. They are currently collecting all necessary evidence, and interviewing witnesses, to determine what happened, and to assure that justice in this case is served. I will do everything in my power to help protect the integrity of that investigation, to ensure a proper and just outcome for all involved."
#BlackLivesMatter here, @GovMarkDayton.#FalcolnHeightsShooting #PhilandoCastile pic.twitter.com/8Go5b3XKj3
— Black Lives MPLS (@BlackLivesMpls) July 7, 2016
In the video, Castile can be seen bloodied and slumped over as an officer -- whose name has not been released -- points his weapon at the man.
Reynolds said before the officer opened fire, Castile told the officer he had a concealed carry license and a gun in his possession. She said Castile was shot as he reached for his driver's license.
"You shot four bullets into him, sir. He was just getting his license and registration, sir," Reynolds said in the video.
Castile was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died minutes after arrival, his family said.
Sgt. Jon Mangseth, interim chief of the St. Anthony Police Department, told reporters at a press conference early Thursday there were three officers on the scene during the incident. One has been put on standard paid administrative leave.
Mangseth also told reporters the officer-involved shooting wasthe first in the area in more than three decades.
Late Wednesday, protesters holding "black lives matter" signs gathered outside the governor's residence.
The shooting took place two days after the shooting death caught on video, Alton Sterling, 37, as he was being held by police in Baton Rouge, La., stirred racially tinged protests.
About 200 people gathered at the scene where Castile was shot to protest. Some marched to the governor's mansion, calling for him to make a statement. Black Lives Matter movement organizers said they would stay at the location until he did so.
