PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - District Attorney Stephen Zappala's office has announced charges will be withdrawn in nearly 40 cases stemming from protests in Pittsburgh over the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
Mike Manko, spokesperson for the DA's office released the following statement on Monday:"As the result of local marches connected to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, events that have been predominantly peaceful, the Office of the Mayor directed the Pittsburgh Police Department to file criminal complaints against several dozen people who allegedly chose to engage in civil unrest.
Being charged criminally changes people's lives, which is why any criminal charge requires proper supporting evidence. Notwithstanding the impact that the recent marches have had on our citizens and businesses, we do not have the evidence in these cases to suitably conduct a preliminary hearing.
Until the Public Safety Director provides evidence that is both relevant and substantial, it is inappropriate to proceed with these criminal complaints. As such, District Attorney Zappala has directed that the charges be withdrawn in 39 of the cases connected to the events of the last ten days."
Police have arrested two people in connection to the events that took place on Saturday, May 30 and are looking for another in connection to an incendiary devise thrown at police in Mellon Square.
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