Feds Decline To Charge BR Officers In Alton Sterling Shooting

Both the Washington Post and the New York Times are reporting that he Department of Justice will not file charges against the Baton Rouge officers involved in the shooting death of Alton Sterling. Citing sources "close to the case", they're also reporting that the federal probe into the Sterling shooting will be closed.

And, according to the Post, the Sterling family has yet to be notified:

“We have not heard nor received an update and are unaware of any charges that may or may not be filed,” said Ryan Julison, a spokesman for the Sterling family’s attorneys. “We have not received word, nor has the family been given any notice of upcoming updates regarding this case.”

Many Baton Rouge area officials fear that the pending announcement could spark protests and unrest similar to last summer at the time of Sterling's death. A number of south Louisiana lawmakers are already criticizing the DOJ and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Again, from the Post:

“'The Department of Justice’s failure to communicate with the community has created angst and nervousness, and I fear carries the potential for increased tension between the community and law enforcement,' Rep. Cedric L. Richmond, whose congressional district includes part of Baton Rouge, wrote in a letter to Sessions on Friday. 'It is inappropriate and against the interests of public safety . . . to allow this level of uncertainty to continue.'”