Miami police shootings subject of panel hearing

MIAMI – City officials in Miami are holding a hearing after the recent shootings of seven African-American suspects by police officers stirred outrage in many inner-city neighborhoods.

Before the hearing Thursday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson called for a federal investigation and said she wanted Police Chief Miguel Exposito to resign. The Democrat who represents the area says people are afraid and wondering whether the police more prone to use violence in inner-city communities.

Exposito defended his officers. He says the suspects are usually responsible when a situation turns violent.

The shootings of six men and one 16-year-old boy took place between July and February. They occurred after with Exposito doubled the number of officers in units targeting violent crime in poorer neighborhoods long plagued by drugs and gangs.