From Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano:
BREAKING: Removal motions have been filed by federal officers involved in the death of Bijan Ghaisar.
“I want to reassure the Ghaisar family, our community, and everyone following this case that I will not give up and I am committed to pursuing justice for Bijan—my office and I stand ready for trial.” – CA Descano
PRESS RELEASE — REMOVAL MOTIONS FILED BY FEDERAL OFFICERS INVOLVED IN BIJAN GHAISAR DEATH
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA – Defense attorneys for the two officers involved in the 2017 shooting death of Bijan Ghaisar have moved to remove the case to federal court.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Descano remarked: “Federal notices of removal have been filed by defense attorneys for Officers Vineyard and Amaya. We expected this to happen. That’s why we’ve been working with the Attorney General’s office in anticipation of this action and to coordinate the best strategy moving forward.”
Last month, Commonwealth’s Attorney Descano announced that, under his direction, his office had secured long-sought indictments against federal officers involved in the shooting death of Bijan Ghaisar—a motorist and Fairfax County resident whose death at the hands of two federal Park Police officers has generated much attention and scrutiny in recent years. This motion comes to light today on the three-year anniversary of Bijan Ghaisar’s death.
Descano continued: “It’s been three years since the death of Bijan Ghaisar. Today should be a day for the Ghaisar family to reflect and celebrate the memory of their son. Instead, they have to hear the news that there’s yet another development standing in the way of seeking justice for Bijan. Last month I was proud we were finally able to overcome so many obstacles to deliver those indictments. Today, although this is yet another obstacle, I want to reassure the Ghaisar family, our community, and everyone following this case that I will not give up and I am committed to pursuing justice for Bijan—my office and I stand ready for trial.”
These motions, if granted, would remove this case from the Fairfax County courthouse and place it into federal court. At CA Descano’s request, Virignia Attorney General Mark Herring’s Office has partnered with the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in preparation for these removal actions. As we await further developments, the CA’s Office and AG’s Office are preparing strategic responses to ensure a fair and thorough trial occurs.
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