PHOENIX — The Arizona branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for an investigation into the recent Phoenix police shooting of a Muslim man suffering from mental health issues.
The group is calling for an investigation into the death of 34-year-old Ali Osman. He was shot Saturday by a Phoenix police officer after he said he refused to stop police throwing stones.
Related: Police shoot dead a man who threw stones at patrol cars and police officers
“Due to the circumstances of this disturbing incident, we call on city officials to conduct an independent and transparent investigation to determine whether their actions were within policy guidelines and the boundaries of the law. ‘ said CAIR Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuse.
Officials said a police car was driving through the intersection after Osman answered an unrelated call in the area as he was throwing an object at the intersection.
The officer turned around and made contact with Osman.
He allegedly threw stones at officers and disobeyed their orders.
The shooting occurred when Osman attempted to throw a second rock.
He was taken to hospital where he died.
The Phoenix Police Department is investigating the officer who opened fire in the area of 19th Street and Tucky Lane, just south of Glendale Avenue.
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ABC15 spoke with Osman’s sister, Halima Osman, on Monday and says Ali helped everyone and grew up in Arizona.
“We came from Minnesota looking for my brother,” said Halima, hours after he and his family got off the plane.
Ali’s family told ABC15 they learned of the shooting after receiving an early morning call from Phoenix police.
“I think what happened to Ali was wrong,” Halima said.
ABC15 contacted Phoenix Police for more information, but they did not respond to any questions. They said this was both a criminal and internal investigation and that a briefing video would be released within 14 days.
