Protests in Vermont after deadly police shooting

WINOOSKI, Vt. (AP) — Protesters are raising questions about the death of an unarmed man shot seven times by a Vermont police officer last week.

The Burlington Free Press reports about 40 protesters gathered in Winooski on Friday evening to call for transparency and police reform following the death of Jesse Beshaw, 29, on Sept. 16.

Prosecutors and law enforcement officials are investigating whether the fatal shooting was justified. Vermont State Police say Franklin County Deputy Sheriff Nick Palmier shot Beshaw six times and grazed him with a seventh shot after the unarmed suspect advanced on him with his hand behind his back.

Beshaw’s family, protesters and the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont are calling for the release of footage from the body cameras worn by Palmier and involved Winooski police officers.