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Kinsey calls officer-involved shooting a tragedy on Monday night

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Holding back tears in the invocation before City Council, Charlotte Mayor Patsy Kinsey called the shooting of 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell a tragedy that has devastated multiple families and city departments.

"Indeed we pray for all of our police officers and their command staff as they, too, face challenging days ahead," said Kinsey.

Now many citizens and civil rights groups are asking the city for a more powerful citizen board to independently review the actions of police.

While CRB spokesperson Matt Newton said his organization is saddened by Ferrell's death, he says he now hopes council takes their case seriously.

"The institution of this board happened back in 1997 in the wake of two officer-related citizen shooting deaths. We've had six over the past 15 months," said Matt Newton.

Newton believes the board should have increased power so victims' families could have an opportunity to appeal if they disagree with a police internal-affairs investigation.

City Manager Ron Carlee told Channel 9 Monday that Ferrell's death should have nothing to do with a citizen review board.

"It was an officer involved in a shooting and a very prompt investigation, prompt action and totally disconnected from the discussions of the review board," said Carlee.

Carlee added that the process is under way now to do a comprehensive evaluation of the citizen review board. In reaction to the shooting, he called Ferrell's death "a bad situation on all dimensions."

"Our most humble prayer, amen," said Carlee.

As a city tries to get back to work, others hope change will prevent future tragedy.

Just a few hours ago, the City of Charlotte sent out this notice to address the shooting.