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FBI opens civil rights probe into Ohio shooting

From Kelli Arena
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The FBI field office in Cincinnati, Ohio, confirmed Thursday it has begun a preliminary investigation into the shooting of an unarmed African-American man by a white police officer.

The shooting set off protests that have lasted four days, with escalating confrontations between protesters and police.

After President Bush told Attorney General John Ashcroft to help calm the situation Thursday, the Justice Department sent two senior officials to serve as mediators between community leaders and city officials.

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The FBI has started to gather police reports and other records to forward to the Justice Department's civil rights unit. That unit will determine whether a full investigation is necessary.

The field office promised to get the compiled information to Justice within 21 days. A spokesman said he does not expect the preliminary investigation to take longer than that, since the shooting involved only the officer and the person who was killed.

There are two pending but inactive investigations concerning the Cincinnati police department involving shootings in November 2000. In one case, two officers were indicted by local authorities. In the other probe the prosecution has not yet made a decision on how to proceed.

Bush contacted Ashcroft Thursday morning to express concern about the events in Cincinnati and his hopes for a non-violent resolution. A written statement released by the White House press secretary said Bush told Ashcroft to make sure the administration "was providing the necessary assistance to help calm and resolve the situation."

The statement continued, "The president understands the very strong emotions involved, and he joins Cincinnati and Ohio leaders in their appeal to the people of Cincinnati for calm and a non-violent resolution to the current situation."

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