Power Players Come For Police Accused of Tasing Unarmed Black Man to Death

Nearly three years after Jim Rogers, 54, died after being repeatedly tased by the police, the NAACP is demanding answers and accountability.

Earlier this month, the civil rights group sent a letter to the Department of Justice urging Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, urging her to investigate his death.

In October of 2021, Pittsburg police responded to a report of a stolen bike. According to the letter, when a police officer “encountered” Rogers, he tased him ten times and then arrested him. The letter goes on to say that Rogers repeatedly told police that he needed to go to the hospital and couldn’t breathe. However, “the police failed to provide any medical assistance at the scene. A police officer told him that they were going to have to roll the window up if he “keeps yelling and screaming for no reason.”

Rogers was eventually taken to the hospital, at which point he fell unconscious. Rogers was pronounced dead the next day.

While some action was taken against the officers involved, the NAACP says it’s simply not enough, especially in light of the decision to reinstate several of the officers allegedly responsible, including the officer who tased Rogers.

“Although Mr. Rogers was unarmed and did not appear to pose a threat, Officer Edmond tased Mr. Rogers ten times. Despite Mr. Rogers’ repeated cries for help, the police failed to provide adequate medical assistance by not promptly transporting Mr. Rogers to the nearest hospital,” they wrote. “Moreover, the local prosecutor has not filed criminal charges against the officers. According to news reports, the city reinstated three of the four officers involved. Without federal intervention, the police officers will not be held accountable for their actions.”