ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, 05/23/2025 - On May 21, 2025, Anchorage Police Chief, Sean Case (Chief Case), held a press conference as a follow-up to the May 12, 2025, officer-involved shooting (OIS) of Utuva Alaelua. At the May 21 press conference, Chief Case presented still shots that were taken from the police body-worn cameras (BWC) that officers were wearing at the scene of the May 12 OIS.

On July 12, 2024, the Anchorage Police Department (APD) released an updated draft of its BWC policy. In the public notice published on APD’s website it states:

Chief Case has stated on numerous occasions that he would not release BWC footage until The Office of Special Prosecutions (OSP) had completed its review of an OIS. As of May 21 the OSP has not completed its review of the May 12 OIS. Chief Case has repeatedly refused calls from the public for the immediate release of BWC footage. The May 21 press conference demonstrates that Chief Case will only release BWC footage or still shots prior to the OSP completing its review in order to manipulate and shape public opinion to justify an OIS.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation - Anchorage calls on Chief Case to resign immediately and if Chief Case will not resign then Mayor LaFrance should find his replacement. On May 21, Chief Case deliberately broke his own policy and insistence on “safeguarding investigations” when he attempted to shape and mold public opinion by releasing curated still shots of the May 12 OIS. Moreover, of the 13 OIS in Anchorage that have occurred since May 13, 2024, 9 have taken place under Chief Case. On May 21, Chief Case attempted to manipulate the public and the press in such an obvious and blatant manner that he actions warrant he immediate resignation.