During an emotional news conference Wednesday morning, the 15-year-old son of Alton Sterling, who was shot and killed by police officers in Baton Rouge, La., cried as his mother spoke to the media.
“He had to watch this, as this was put all over the outlets,” McMillan said referencing her son. “As a mother, I have now been forced to raise a son who is going to remember what happened to his father.”
WATCH: Sister of Alton Sterling speaks out
Sterling’s son began sobbing uncontrollably and had to be led away from the news conference.
“It’s a horrible thing, it’s a horrible thing to happen to him,” said Sterling’s aunt, Sandra Sterling. “He didn’t deserve that.”
Alton Sterling, 37, was killed early Tuesday morning outside a convenience store where he was selling CDs.
READ MORE: Graphic video shows moment Baton Rouge police fatally shot man
Cellphone video of the incident appears to show two officers struggling with Sterling before slamming him to the ground.
An officer can be heard yelling “he’s got a gun! Gun!” before several shots ring out.
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Federal civil rights investigation being launched following shooting death of Alton Sterling -
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Protest erupts in Baton Rouge after police officer fatally shoots Alton Sterling
Officials and family members in the Baton Rouge area called for a federal investigation into the shooting.
“We’re praying that the truth ultimately comes out from this,” Edmond Jordan, an attorney for Sterling’s family, told reporters. “We think with an independent investigation, we can get down to that. And that’s what the family wants.”
READ MORE: Alton Sterling shooting by Baton Rouge police sparks outrage, U.S. Justice Dept. investigation
In Washington, the U.S. Justice Department announced it will open a civil rights investigation into the shooting. An agency spokesperson told the Associated Pres the FBI’s New Orleans division and the U.S. attorney’s office will participate in the investigation.
The head of the NAACP in Baton Rouge called for the firing or resignation of Baton Rouge Chief of Police Carl Dabadie Jr.
“What I’m calling for today is that the chief law enforcement officer to fire the police chief,” Michael McClanahan said. “He must step down. We cannot have anybody who allows this type of action to take place.”
WATCH: Louisiana governor speak with media on police shooting
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says the video of the fatal police shooting is “disturbing to say the least” and called for calm after the shooting.
“Of the footage that I have observed of the video that was made available, I have very serious concerns,” Edwards told reporters Wednesday. “At this time I’m asking for leaders in the faith-based community, elected officials, and other community leaders in the Baton Rouge community to work with me, to work with all of us, to ensure that we remain calm and peaceful as the details continue to unfold.”
— With files from the Associated Press
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