The family of a woman fatally shot on San Francisco’s waterfront in July filed wrongful death claims today against San Francisco and federal officials.
The family of Kate Steinle gathered with attorney Frank Pitre on the steps of San Francisco City Hall this morning to announce the legal claims, which are often precursors to lawsuits.
Steinle was fatally shot on July 1 while walking with family members on Pier 14 in broad daylight. Within an hour of the shooting, police arrested Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, an undocumented immigrant who had been deported five times and has seven prior felony convictions.
The shooting and arrest have spurred a national debate on San Francisco’s sanctuary city policy, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Pitre today said San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi “made himself the king, judge and jury” when it came to the city’s cooperation with federal authorities.
The gun used in the shooting belonged to a Bureau of Land Management ranger who had it stolen from his car in San Francisco.
Pitre said today that the gun was left in his car against mandatory regulations for federal employees.
Hannah Albarazi, Bay City News
