SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin dismissed charges on Monday, June 1, against Kajon Busby, 19, that resulted from offenses including criminal threats and resisting arrest that occurred on January 25. A cellphone video of the teenager’s arrest shows a female officer using a knee-to-neck restraint on Busby, the same method that resulted in George Floyd’s death in Minnesota on May 25.
While the charges against Busby were filed when Boudin was in office, the District Attorney said that he was not involved in the prosecution of the teenager. After watching the video, reviewing police files, and having his team contact those involved, Boudin decided to dismiss the case in court.
As a result of the incident, Boudin implemented a new policy that will require prosecutors to review all videos before filing charges for resisting arrest. On Tuesday, June 2, Boudin proposed that the Civil Service Commission eliminate the hiring of officers who have a history of using excessive force in their policing.
On Tuesday, June 2, Boudin tweeted: “Proud to have worked with @shamannwalton on a new resolution today. Our Black & Brown community members deserve to feel safe – and how can any of us feel safe when local law enforcement agencies are allowed to hire officers with prior serious misconduct?”
If the San Francisco District Attorney’s proposal is passed, it will be implemented within the next two weeks.
