Fenty Accused of Taking Sides|ABC 7 News

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Fenty Accused of Taking Sides

posted 5:05 pm Mon September 24, 2007 - WASHINGTON

tags: rawlings • police • fenty

Controversy is brewing in the district over Mayor Adrian Fenty's decision to contribute to the funeral costs of DeOnte Rawlings, the 14-year-old boy shot to death a week ago by an off-duty D.C. police officer.

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The officer, 44-year-old James Haskel, says Rawlings fired first. Family members say Rawlings did not have a gun. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, which is being overseen by the U.S. Attorney.

Some district residents claim the mayor's decision shows he is not siding with police.

"It's a slap in the face to the police," said district resident Adrienne Elias. "When I first heard the story, I thought there was not enough support for them."

The funeral contribution will come from the mayor's constituency fund. The money comes from private donations and not from public coffers.

The mayor's office refused to say how much money would be contributed.

Fenty says he's not taking sides.

"I think it would have been a disgrace, an embarrassment if I would have just sat in my office without commenting on it," he said.

Some police officers believe paying for Rawlings' funeral signals the mayor believes the boy was an victim, not an instigator of the violence.

D.C. Fraternal Order of Police President Lou Cannon told the Washington Post that many view Fenty's actions as questionable. He says the mayor should avoid the perception that he's siding with Rawlings.

Latest Comment on Fenty Accused of Taking Sides

Guliel

10:48 am on 10/03/07

I think they should hang that guy that invented the caps lock key, I super glued mine so it can't be pressed accidentally.

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