Police in Austin, Texas, have launched an investigation into why officers fired “less-lethal” beanbag munition at a crowd transporting an injured man.
Justin Howell, a 20-year-old student at Texas State University, was protesting outside police headquarters on the night of May 31, Austin Police Department Chief Brian Manley said in a news conference.
A protester who was standing next to Howell hurled a water bottle and a bag at the police officers, the chief said. In response, one officer fired beanbag rounds at the demonstrator but struck Howell in the head instead, according to Manley.
Howell suffered a fractured skull and brain damage, his brother told CNN. He remains in critical condition.
Once Howell fell to the ground, some in the crowd picked him up and officers directed them to take him to police headquarters — but the crowd was fired upon as they neared the building, Manley said.
“It’s reported that they were fired upon with less-lethal munitions as they brought this victim towards the officers to get him medical help,” he added.
Manley said a police investigation into the incident is underway and police are also trying to identify the officer who first fired at Howell.
Watch the moment here:
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CNN