Philly man faces federal charges in cop shooting

And developing tonight, federal charges announced today against the man accused of fatally shooting Philadelphia Police Sergeant Shane Seibert and wounding officer Hector Rodriguez nearly two weeks ago. Eric Lewis, seen on the left here, is now facing robbery and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, among other federal charges. This is on top of the state charges. And Kelly, today for the first time, the police commissioner addressed the district attorney directly following his comments last week. regarding a former officer and an old case. Sheba, that's exactly right. And he did not hide his emotion or frustration. Now, you'll recall the DA put out a written and video statement last week discussing Lewis's criminal history, blaming a flawed police investigation and also described an officer and detective's conduct as, quote, arguably criminal. Today, the police commissioner said he has never seen that in his entire career. The men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department are our brothers and sisters. and if you attack one of them, you attack every one of us and you're going to face all of us. U.S. Attorney David Metcalf joined by the ATF and Philadelphia police to announce five federal charges against Eric Lewis today. He's the man accused of fatally shooting Sergeant Shane Seibert and wounding Officer Hector Rodriguez back on October 10th. That is an independent interest beyond whatever state charges there are. Following the shooting, Lewis is accused of robbing Officer Rodriguez of his service weapon and possessing a ghost gun and sawed-off shotgun. The federal charges announced today represent an additional step toward accountability for the violence against Shane and Hector. This is what happens when agencies come together, put the work first, and focus on the people we have sworn to serve. Leaders emphasized the importance of their partnership during the announcement, which comes just days after the funeral for Sergeant Sieber. Officer Rodriguez, who has not been discharged from the hospital, attended the service. And it comes just over a week since District Attorney Larry Krasner put out a written and video statement about Lewis' criminal past, including his acquittal of a prior murder. The DA called the police investigation in that case deeply flawed and pointed to an officer's relationship with Lewis' sister. But some of the conduct involving one police officer and one detective is arguably criminal. Yes, I said criminal. I will hold my department accountable when we are wrong, but everybody else should hold them damn selves accountable as well. Commissioner Bethel responding for the first time in person today after the department released a written statement last week saying their focus was on the officers and their families. He said he fired the officer in question by the DA last year and, like in any homicide case, will look back at what they could have done differently. But he didn't mince words, calling the DA's actions unacceptable. of all. I've been at this work almost for 40 years. Never once have I stood up in front of an audience and talked about my conflicts with the district attorney's office. But I will tell you that was absolutely anyone who believes it was right. I walk you into those homes with me and you tell me they didn't ask me about that when I walked in the door. They're asking me they want their husband back and they want Hector to survive and get through his injuries. That's what they wanted. The district attorney did just release a statement, a lengthy statement moments ago, saying he fully supports today's announcement of federal charges. Also saying in part, quote, I will continue to make outreach to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and Mayor Sherelle Parker with hopes to work together in supporting our city and law enforcement colleagues through this difficult time, consistent with their One Philly agenda. He also went on to say he supports the work of the FOP and did reach out to President Roosevelt Poplar for a meeting. Sheba. All right well that statement is coming in here Kelly thank you we want to update you on what the FOP is saying tonight regarding this whole ordeal they are also firing back at the district attorney the union calling a video he released last week misleading accusing him of shifting blame onto police so here is the full statement released by the FOP they say in part quote in that video Krasner misrepresented the facts surrounding the defendant's previous murder trial and attempted to shift responsibility for the district attorney's office's failure to secure a conviction onto Philadelphia police officers, homicide detectives, and an officer who was later terminated by the department.