Cops' rally comes after racially charged killing

[September 21, 2009]  ROCKFORD (AP) -- The fatal shooting of a black man inside a church-run day care has reopened racial wounds in one northern Illinois city.

Two white police officers shot Mark Anthony Barmore on Aug. 24 in a day care filled with children in Rockford. Police say he was wanted for questioning in a domestic dispute. The shooting has sparked many rallies that demand justice for Barmore.

But Saturday's march is to support the city's police officers. Organizer Jason Andrews says the two officers involved in the shooting should be treated fairly.

There are conflicting accounts of what happened. Police say there was a struggle over an officer's weapon, requiring the use of deadly force. Meanwhile, witnesses at the day care say Barmore surrendered, but police shot him anyway.

[Associated Press]

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