NY mayor 'spoke too soon' over shooting

Law enforcement experts said New York City’s mayor spoke prematurely in saying police used “excessive force” in unleashing a 50-shot barrage that killed an unarmed man outside a strip club.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg labelled the shooting “unacceptable” and “inexplicable” while meeting with community leaders and the victim’s family.

But experts who have studied the use of deadly force by police said the confusing circumstances of the incident suggested the mayor’s conclusions were premature.

The amount of firepower, they said, has been given too much emphasis.

“The number of shots fired doesn’t mean anything, even though it seems a little shocking,” Jim Cohen, a professor of criminal law, said.

The five shooters – four detectives and one police officer – have been placed on administrative leave during an investigation into the death of 23-year-old Sean Bell.

The undercover detective who was the first to open fire has made a statement through his lawyer, according to a report published today.

Attorney Philip Karasyk told the Daily News that the detective, whose name was withheld, says he identified himself as a police officer and initially held his fire, even after being clipped by Bell’s car.