Additionally, U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz released a statement outlining what his office says is the version of events under investigation.
FBI search warrant says 'white crystal-like substance' observed
Following the deadly July 9 shooting of Araujo, an FBI special agent said he "inspected the vehicle and observed in plain view several plastic bags with what appeared to be white crystal-like substances packaged in small plastic bags" from outside the van, according to a search warrant filed July 14. "Searches of the target vehicle will yield evidence of the crimes committed and violations of drug offenses," the warrant states.
Family and attorney say substance was 'electrolyte mix'
Just one day after the filing, the family of Araujo confirmed through their attorney, Ruby Powers, that the substances were not drugs but a drink mixture.
"After consulting with my client and his family, our understanding is that this was granulated salt, which is paired with lemon and water as a homemade electrolyte mix used by outdoor workers in extreme Texas heat," Powers said in an official statement.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office also shared that it didn't suspect the substances collected were drugs.
On Thursday, DA Sean Teare shared on social media that "based on what we've learned about the passengers, it's inconsistent that drugs were in the van."
Powers also said they are requesting immediate testing of the substance to clear Araujo's name, in addition to a request for Araujo's brother, Victor, to be released from ICE custody.
US Attorney releases statement for 1st time after shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Aaron Reitz, has released a statement for the first time since the deadly shooting involving ICE in Houston that has made national headlines.
"I want to assure the public that the appropriate law enforcement agencies are looking into this matter. That includes my office, the FBI, DHS, and other state and local partners," Reitz's statement said.
Reitz released the timeline of events his office has been provided with, saying it is the version it believes happened.
He said that, based on preliminary information, federal officers were investigating two men known to be driving a white van that had previously evaded arrest and were potentially subject to deportation.
Reitz said two vehicles, with a total of four officers, attempted to pull over the van using lights and sirens but were unsuccessful. Reitz said that later that morning, the van was seen again, and that the stop was successful as federal agents blocked it.
"At some point, two of the four officers got out of their vehicles and instructed the non-compliant aliens to put the van in park," Reitz's statement reads. "Preliminary information indicates the driver shifted the van into reverse, then forward again, while an officer was partially inside the van or immediately next to it."
One of the officers fired a single shot, which struck Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, according to Reitz.
"The other federal officers on scene immediately began rendering first aid to preserve Mr. Salgado's life. Yet sadly, as we know, Mr. Salgado later died at the hospital."
"I want to reiterate: This assessment is based on preliminary information given to my office. We draw no decisive conclusions and believe federal law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation," Reitz said. "We are doing everything we can to seek the truth and do the right thing."
Reitz encouraged the public to give federal authorities time to investigate and to "let the justice system work."
Read the full statement here.
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