This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36728983

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Alton Sterling shooting: US authorities to investigate Alton Sterling shooting: US authorities to investigate
(35 minutes later)
The US Justice Department's civil rights division will lead an investigation into a police shooting of a black man in Louisiana.The US Justice Department's civil rights division will lead an investigation into a police shooting of a black man in Louisiana.
Video footage appeared to show two white police officers holding down and fatally shooting Alton Sterling, 37, in Baton Rouge.Video footage appeared to show two white police officers holding down and fatally shooting Alton Sterling, 37, in Baton Rouge.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the US attorney's office, the FBI and state police will also be involved.Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the US attorney's office, the FBI and state police will also be involved.
"The video is disturbing to say the least," he said."The video is disturbing to say the least," he said.
The governor called for unity and urged protesters to remain calm as authorities conduct an investigation the shooting. Blane Salamoni, a four-year veteran on the force, and Howie Lake II, a three-year veteran, were placed on administrative leave over the death, officials said.
The shooting on Tuesday sparked protests from about 200 people who gathered at the scene where Mr Sterling was shot, blocking roads and chanting: "Black lives matter".The shooting on Tuesday sparked protests from about 200 people who gathered at the scene where Mr Sterling was shot, blocking roads and chanting: "Black lives matter".
The governor called for unity and urged protesters to remain calm as authorities conduct an investigation the shooting.
"I have full confidence that this matter will be investigated thoroughly, impartially and professionally, and I will demand that's the way it's conducted." Governor Bel Edwards said.
The incident comes amid mounting tension in the US over the deaths of black men at the hands of police.
There are more than 1,000 deadly shootings by police in the US each year, and disproportionate numbers of those killed are black Americans.
Police spokesman Cpl L'Jean McKneely said the officers had been called in after reports that a man selling CDs outside a convenience store had threatened someone with a gun.Police spokesman Cpl L'Jean McKneely said the officers had been called in after reports that a man selling CDs outside a convenience store had threatened someone with a gun.
Mobile video footage appeared to show two officers wrestling a man in a red shirt to the floor.Mobile video footage appeared to show two officers wrestling a man in a red shirt to the floor.
One of the officers pinned the man's arm to the floor with his knee and then appeared to pull out his gun and point it at the man.One of the officers pinned the man's arm to the floor with his knee and then appeared to pull out his gun and point it at the man.
A voice is heard shouting: "He's got a gun. Gun." Then shots ring out and the camera moves away.A voice is heard shouting: "He's got a gun. Gun." Then shots ring out and the camera moves away.
Mr Sterling, a father of five, died at the scene.Mr Sterling, a father of five, died at the scene.
The incident comes amid mounting tension in the US over the deaths of black men at the hands of police. Cameron Sterling, Mr Sterling's 15-year-old son, began crying at a news conference as his mother spoke.
There are more than 1,000 deadly shootings by police in the US each year, and disproportionate numbers of those killed are black Americans. "He had to watch this as this was put all over the outlets," Quinyetta McMillon, Cameron Sterling's mother said.
"As a mother I have now been forced to raise a son who is going to remember what happened to his father."