DETROIT – Activists gathered outside the Detroit Police Department’s 3rd Precinct to demand the release of body camera footage from a police shooting that occurred downtown on the night of the Ford Fireworks.
The rally focused on the June 22 shooting of 18-year-old Alonzo Lee-Perkins, who police said was armed when he ran from officers.
Police said an officer, fearing for the safety of officers and the public, fired multiple shots, striking Lee-Perkins.
Lee-Perkins has since been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing a police officer, and felony firearm.
Demonstrators Wednesday (July 22) said they want greater transparency and answers about what led to the shooting.
“As a police commissioner emeritus, I’m calling to release the damn video, make the video public,” said Willie Burton, Detroit police commissioner emeritus. “We want transparency, we want accountability, but we also want to see the facts.”
Jacob Smith of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization questioned the use of force.
“DPD claims he had a gun. I say it doesn’t even matter if he did. There’s no reason to shoot somebody in the back,” Smith said.
Detroit police Chief Todd Bettison said he intends to release the body camera footage but is currently prohibited from doing so due to a temporary restraining order issued by the court.
“As soon as I can release it, I definitely plan on releasing it,” Bettison said. “Right now we have what’s called a TRO, a temporary restraining order, and that’s from the courts. But I’m transparent, and we’ll release it as soon as I can.”
In a statement, the Detroit Police Department said the temporary restraining order stems from a lawsuit filed by the Detroit Police Officers Association challenging a city ordinance that the Detroit City Council approved in October 2025.
According to the department, the ordinance would require Detroit police to release body-worn camera footage involving use-of-force incidents within 30 days.
“The Detroit Police Officers Association filed an action in Wayne County Third Circuit Court, alleging the ordinance passed by City Council in October 2025--that would require DPD to release all Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage involving use of force incidents, to be released within in 30 days--was a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. This resulted in a Temporary Restraining Order that prevents DPD from releasing BWC footage.’
Detroit police spokesperson Jasmin Barmore
The police union argued that the ordinance violates the collective bargaining agreement, resulting in a temporary restraining order that currently prevents the department from releasing body camera footage.
Organizers of Wednesday’s rally said Lee-Perkins’ family has not been allowed to view the video and is also calling for its release.
The Michigan State Police is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
No timeline has been announced for when the body camera footage could be made public.
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