CNN: Body Camera Footage Released of Border Patrol Agent Shooting Woman Five Times in Chicago

EXCERPT:

JIMENEZ (voice-over): "And just before the moment of impact, it‘s agent Charles Exum who sharply turns his steering wheel in the direction of Martinez — proof, according to her attorney, that they hit her vehicle, not the other way around. And as for the claim of being boxed in, this surveillance video calls that comment into question, with nothing in the path ahead of the border agents' vehicle. The court also released text messages and emails from after the shooting, including one message from Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino just hours after the incident, offering to delay the retirement of Agent Exum, who shot Martinez. 'In light of your excellent service in Chicago, you have much left to do.' And then a text message exchange between Agent Exum and someone whose name was redacted. 'Are they supportive?' Someone asked. 'Big time. Everyone has been, including Chief Bovino Chief Banks, Secretary Noem and El Jefe himself.' In various texts to and from fellow agents, the mood was celebratory. 'Good job, brother. You are a legend among agents. You better effing know that. Beer‘s on me when I see you at training.' 'That‘s awesome. You did real good.' 'Damn it, man, good shooting.' The day after the shooting, Martinez was indicted. According to the complaint, she 'forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated and interfered with an officer of the United States.' After her attorney viewed the body camera footage and other evidence emerged that undermined the government‘s version of events, prosecutors made an extraordinary move and asked the judge to drop their own case. The judge agreed. But not long after, she told me the shooting still haunts her."