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Residents press Titusville leaders for body‑cam release after officer‑involved shooting; chief says FDLE investigation ongoing
Summary
Public commenters demanded release of body‑worn camera footage after an officer‑involved shooting and called for leadership changes. Police Chief Lau said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating and that the department cannot release footage until that process is complete.
Scores of residents raised questions and demanded transparency at the April 2025 Titusville City Council meeting over an officer‑involved shooting and delayed release of body‑worn camera footage.
Nut graf: Several public speakers, including faith‑based and civil‑rights leaders, urged the council to press for disclosure and leadership changes. Police leadership told the council that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is leading the investigation and that the department has limited ability to release footage while the state investigation is active.
The meeting’s public comments included a forceful appeal from Reverend JB Dennis, president of the National Action Network, Cocoa chapter, who said the city “have got a reputation as being a KKK stronghold” and urged council action on police leadership. “We need a police chief that’s gonna write policies that are fair and impartial to all members of this community,” Dennis said.
Several family members and community members asked directly for release of a recording related to the death of Jamari Charles. One commenter asked, “Do you or do you not have authority to release the body cam footage?” Police leadership responded that the department does not investigate itself and FDLE was brought in to lead the probe. Chief Lau said, “The purpose of the FDLE coming in is so that we don't investigate ourselves.” He added that FDLE’s investigation has “taken an inordinate amount of time” and that he had told Samantha Charles she would be “the first one to see” the footage once FDLE completes its work.
Other speakers told the council they have lost confidence in internal police oversight and urged a new chief from outside the city. Dwight Sigler, a local resident, criticized the city’s handling of personnel matters and transparency. “Hired people should not be informing you of what they wanna do. You're supposed to let them know what you and the citizens want,” he said.
Ending: Chief Lau said he has remained in regular contact with FDLE and that the department’s hands are limited while the state investigation continues. Council members and staff acknowledged community frustration and said they would continue to seek updates from FDLE and report back to the public.
(Reporting note: Statements attributed to Chief Lau, Reverend JB Dennis and other speakers reflect their remarks during public comment and responses during the public‑comment period.)
