'Sheriff Bowman insists that personal items were not searched; the video clearly shows officers searching toiletries and clothes, and even cutting open a family graduation gift,' said Delaware State University President Tony Allen in a statement.
Authorities in Georgia responded to allegations of racial profiling during a traffic stop involving the Delaware State University women's lacrosse team.
In the video, officers explain that while the bus was initially pulled over for a traffic stop, the officers had a right to bring out their K9s and conduct a clear air sniff, which alerted them to the luggage. Thus, prompting their search.President Allen is requesting the incident be"be investigated by objective, external authorities.
However, his public statement and the released body camera footage raise more questions than answers. Sheriff Bowman insists that personal items were not searched; the video clearly shows officers searching toiletries and clothes, and even cutting open a family graduation gift.
It has become abundantly more clear that this incident must be investigated by objective, external authorities. We continue to push forward toward that objective."