Pleasantville Police Chief Comes To The Defense of Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting

For the first time in nine days, Pleasantville Police are speaking out about the shooting death of Pace University football player Danroy "DJ" Henry.

Today, Pleasantville Police Chief Anthony Chiarlitti held a news conference denouncing allegations that the shooting of Henry by Pleasantville Police Officer Aaron Hess was racially motivated. Said Chiarlitti, "To characterize a  man who honorably served his country as a United States marine and the Village of Pleasantville as a police officer for over ten years, as racially biased is inappropriate and irresponsible," adding, "And until someone demonstrates to my satisfaction that Officer Hess did something wrong, I will continue to fully support him."

Also today, officials with the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI said they are monitoring the investigation into Henry's death and will review the case for possible civil rights violations "if appropriate." Henry's family has written U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore calling for a Justice Department investigation.