Could #Federal prosecutors charge the officer? [if this were a different admin]
Federal prosecutors can charge law enforcement officers for fatal #shootings, but the bar is very high & charges are rare.
Prosecutors would need to show the officer knew his conduct was unlawful or acted with reckless disregard for the constitutional limits of his authority, which is difficult to prove in court.
The #Trump admin has defended the officer's actions.
In addition to #federal #immunity, the agent could argue that his actions were reasonable under the #Constitution, that he acted in self-defense or that he did not act with intent to harm or kill.
Federal officers are immune from #civil lawsuits unless their conduct clearly violated a constitutional right.
This #legal standard, known as #QualifiedImmunity, has become a highly effective tool for shielding #police officers accused of using #ExcessiveForce.