One of the four officers involved in the deadly shooting of Amadou Diallo, a 22-year-old West Immigrant who was shot 41 times while reaching for his wallet, is set for an NYPD promotion and raise.
Officer Kenneth Boss, who fired five shots at Diallo, received his promotion as sergeant Thursday, (December 17) almost 17 years after one of New York’s most notorious police brutality cases. The news of the raise opened old wounds for Diallo’s mother Kadiatou Diallo.
“You have so many police officers out there who deserve to be promoted, and this man is being promoted? For doing what? Killing my son? I don’t have any hatred or revenge in my heart, but my life was changed forever that day. This is a stab in the heart,” Kadiatou told the The New York Daily News.
The trial involving Boss and the three other officers was later moved to Albany where they were acquitted of murder and all charges.
“Officer Boss has passed the Civil Service exam for promotion to sergeant,” said Deputy Police Commissioner Stephen Davis. “He is currently on full-duty status and not subject to any disciplinary or administrative hold.”
Although shot at 41 times, 19 bullets penetrated Diallo. His family later reached a $3 million settlement with the city.
Rev. Al Sharpton, livid Boss was still on the force, says his promotion during a time of such conflict between the black community and law enforcement sends a wrong message.
“I think it’s disgraceful and sends the wrong signal at a time when nationwide we are raising the question of police reform.” Sharpton said.