The family of Brendon Glenn filed suit today against the city of Los Angeles, alleging that an LAPD officer shot and killed Glenn without justification in Venice last May.

Attorneys for Glenn's estate also called for the release of security footage from the Townhouse Bar, which they say will show Officer Cliff Proctor firing two shots into Glenn's back.

“The city has a policy of trying not to let the public see videos when they know there's misconduct,” said attorney James DeSimone, at a press conference on the Venice Beach boardwalk.

Glenn was homeless at the time of his death. According to the initial LAPD report, Glenn was harassing customers outside the bar at about 11:20 p.m. on May 5. He got into an altercation with a bouncer and police were called. According to DeSimone, Proctor fired the shots while Glenn was on the ground.

“We have a police department that goes to shoot and kill way too quickly in so many cases,” DeSimone said.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck has said the shooting did not appear to be justified, and recommended that charges be filed against Proctor.

It would be an extreme rarity if charges were filed, and DeSimone said the family is worried that District Attorney Jackie Lacey will opt not to prosecute. John Raphling, an attorney who also represents the family, noted that Glenn was one of 21 people who were killed in interactions with the LAPD last year.

“Chief Beck should be looking in the mirror,” Raphling said.

Rob Wilcox, a spokesman in the L.A. city attorney's office, declined to comment on pending litigation.

Glenn was originally from upstate New York. In a statement provided by the family's attorneys, his sister Brittany said he grew up enjoying outdoor sports like mountain biking and canoeing.

“My brother had a heart of gold and the courage of a lion,” she wrote. “Brendon was not a homeless man but rather a family man who simply went on a trip to explore a new work opportunity.”

At the press conference, DeSimone displayed large images from the autopsy report, showing two bullet wounds in Glenn's lower back.

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