During a segment on “MSNBC Reports,” anchor Geoff Bennett choked up on air Wednesday while reading the last words of Elijah McClain, whose killing in 2019 led to grand jury indictments handed down earlier in the day against three police officers and two paramedics in Aurora, Colorado.
While discussing McClain’s case with former federal prosecutor Paul Butler and criminal defense attorney David Henderson, Bennett said police shouldn’t have stopped him in the first place, let alone pin him to the ground in a chokehold and deliver a powerful dose of ketamine.
“This kid was 5’6″ and weighed 140 pounds and they gave him enough sedative that you would give to someone who weighed 220 pounds,” Bennett said becoming emotional. “And his final words are haunting and tragic.”
Bennett’s voice started to tremble as he read McClain’s final words to officers and paramedics.
“I can’t breathe. I have my ID right here. My name is Elijah McClain. That’s my house. I was just going home. I’m an introvert. I’m just different. That’s all. I’m so sorry. I have no gun. I don’t do that stuff. I don’t do any fighting. Why are you attacking me?”
When finished reading McClain’s quotes, a choked-up Bennett asked both Butler and Henderson a very emotional question.
“If Elijah McClain isn’t safe, who is?” Bennett said.
Earlier Wednesday, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) announced that a grand jury handed a 32-count indictment against Aurora Police Department officers Nathan Woodyard and Randy Roedema, former officer Jason Rosenblatt, and paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec.
The five individuals are facing counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for their roles in McClain’s death.
McClain’s death garnered increased national attention after the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Watch the video below, via MSNBC.
"His final words are haunting and tragic," @GeoffRBennett says. "If Elijah McClain isn't safe, who is?" pic.twitter.com/u40zd0M9gr
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 1, 2021
