Gun violence takes the spotlight at DNC
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Seven mothers united in grief over losing their children to gun violence or excessive use of force by police will put their message in the spotlight Tuesday when they deliver a speech at the Democratic National Convention. Nikki Braziel is miles away in Houston and has never met any of those women, but she shares a common link with them all.
"I know what they are going through," said Braziel. "Sleepless nights, it's rough."
Her husband, Alva Braziel, was shot and killed by Houston Police after allegedly pointing a gun at them. His death, similar to the high-profile deaths of other black men led to protests.
WATCH:Demonstrators Gather To Remember Alva Braziel
The Houston Police Department released video showing the moments after Braziel was killed, but his family wants the the unedited footage public.
WATCH: Family Members of Man Fatally Shot By HPD Demand Unedited Footage
Family members united in grief are finding common ground with law enforcement who lost members of their community to recent attacks targeting police. The mutual pain created an intense dialogue at a routine meeting of local police chiefs and officers.
WATCH:Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting Video Released on YouTube
Rice University Police Chief Johnny Whitehead has been in law enforcement for 40 years and even spent part of his career patrolling the streets of Baltimore.
"I haven't seen anything like this," said Whitehead. "I think people in some cases are being defensive and I think we have to acknowledge there is still work to be done. There's been friction between law enforcement and some communities throughout my career."
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett isn't convinced the platform at the DNC in the answer.
"I think this is a picking of sides and every one of those cases is different," said Judge Emmett. "There's a lot of false narratives that have come up in some of them and others are absolutely horrible across the board.But at the same time I think everybody needs to step back and look at what do we need to make law enforcement better."
Nikki Braziel said their family is still grieving.
"I just hope we get justice, we need justice, who's going to be the next victim."
