Tucson, Ariz., Apr 26, 2018 / 14:28 pm
The 'not guilty' verdict for a U.S. border agent who shot and killed a Mexican teen is "deeply troubling" and raises "serious issues of justice and accountability," said Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Tucson, Ariz.
"I find myself in a close bond of fraternity and solidarity with the family of Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez and the many who have been unable to achieve the kind of authentic justice upon which our nation was founded," the bishop said April 24.
"While we are privileged to live in a nation whose greatness is rooted in its democracy and fair treatment of all, such decisions reveal that our democratic institutions are not without flaws and occasionally grave injustices," he said.
The bishop also acknowledged the difficult job of border patrol agents, as well as their important contributions.
Elena Rodriguez, 16, was reportedly among a group on Mexican territory throwing rocks across the border at the border fence in the city of Nogales the night of Oct. 10, 2012. Border Patrol agent Lonnie Swartz was accused of shooting through the fence, killing the teen.