ACLU criticizes order barring officer ID in fatal shooting

HERNDON, Va. (AP) — The ACLU of Virginia says a federal judge’s order barring Fairfax County police from publicly identifying an officer involved in a fatal shooting takes little consideration of the public’s right to know.

Executive Director Claire Guthrie Gastanaga said in a statement Wednesday that residents have the right to know which county employee has killed a community member.

Police say Mohammad Doudzai barricaded himself in his house in Herndon Jan. 16, after shooting his two brothers. Authorities say he went to the door with a knife and was shot by an officer. Court documents show that officer, identified only as John Doe, was granted a temporary restraining order Monday.

A hearing is scheduled Thursday in federal court in Alexandria to determine if the order should become more lasting.

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