Masked protesters claiming to be part of the internet group “Anonymous” hold signs in front of the Des Moines County Courthouse.
Yet another rally took to the streets of downtown last night to protest the decision not to indict Burlington Police Officer Jesse Hill on charges related to the accidental shooting of Burlington Resident Autumn Steele during a domestic dispute in January.
“We feel that Officer Hill should resign. He should have been charged with the death of Autumn Steele,” said Marsha Soto, a Peoria, Illinois Resident who organized the rally. “If he’s scared of a dog, he shouldn’t be carrying a gun.”
The protest is the second in the past six weeks. Since the March Rally, Officer Hill has been reinstated to the force and a 12 second video, depicting the shooting from the perspective of Hill’s body camera, was released.
Organizers carried signs saying “Twelve seconds is not enough” and demanded the release of further videotapes.
County Attorney Amy Beavers opted not to file charges against Hill. Hill shot Steele while responding to a domestic disturbance between her and her husband. Hill was attacked by the couple’s dog and was attempting to shoot the animal when he slipped backwards on the snow, shooting Steele.
