PHILIPSBURG:--- The tragic police shooting of Rudy Benjamin has left the St. Peter's community in mourning and demanding answers. During Wednesday’s council of ministers0 press briefing, the Minister of Justice addressed questions surrounding the incident, offering condolences to the family and community while emphasizing the ongoing investigation.
The Minister began by expressing sympathy for the family of Mr. Benjamin and the St. Peter's community, acknowledging the trauma caused by the incident. However, the Minister clarified that no updates on the case could be provided at this time, as the investigation is being conducted under the direction of the public prosecutor's office and the National Detectives (Landsrecherche). "As Minister, we are not privy to individual cases," the Minister stated, reiterating that the facts of the case are still being determined.
Questions on De-escalation and Police Response
When asked about the de-escalation measures used during the incident, the Minister admitted to having no knowledge of the specific actions taken by the officers involved. "I wasn’t there. I haven’t seen anything. I don’t know," the Minister said, emphasizing that these details would emerge as part of the investigation.
The discussion also touched on the role of the Arrest Team (ATE) and their involvement in responding to 911 calls. The Minister explained that members of the ATE are also police officers who participate in regular patrols due to the police force's limited manpower. "They don’t just sit in an office and wait until there’s something exciting or somebody has to get arrested out of their house," the Minister clarified, adding that the operational realities of the police force require flexibility in roles.
Community Policing and Trust
Concerns were also raised about the status of Community Police Officers (CPOs) and their role in fostering trust and de-escalation within neighborhoods. The Minister confirmed that CPOs are still functioning in various districts, but did not provide specific details about their involvement in the St. Peter's area.
Calls for Transparency
The Minister’s responses come amid growing public outrage and calls for transparency. Residents and Members of Parliament have demanded the release of camera footage from the incident, questioning the necessity of lethal force and the circumstances leading to the shooting. The community has described Mr. Benjamin as a "jolly" and "hardworking" individual, with many expressing disbelief over the police's actions.
As the investigation continues, the Minister urged the public to remain patient and allow the process to unfold. However, for a community grappling with grief and mistrust, the demand for accountability and justice remains urgent.