The Fayetteville City Council unanimously approved a resolution to draft and send a letter to Eastern District U.S. Attorney Michael Easley during the Monday, Jan. 10, City Council meeting regarding the Jason Walker investigation.

The motion was raised by Councilmember Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and finalized by Mayor Mitch Colvin to discuss the investigation and formally reach out to the Department of Justice to join in the investigation.

Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins spoke to the Council, saying that the FBI (Department of Justice) is already assessing the case to assess any civil rights violations.

"The FBI, which governs civil rights, which is a part of the Department of Justice, is doing an assessment of all what has occurred thus far, looking at evidence, looking at statements and body-worn camera for that purpose," Hawkins said.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is handling the current criminal investigation. The SBI would initiate any criminal charges brought due to the investigation. The SBI released a statement Tuesday morning stating that at the conclusion of the investigation, the SBI will provide its complete case file to the Conference of District Attorneys who has been requested by District Attorney Billy West to review the case.

Hawkins clarified that the FBI and SBI conduct two separate investigations and separate entities.

While the public was not allowed inside the city council meeting due to COVID-19 protocols, a handful of people called in to discuss Walker's case and how the FPD handled it during the public forum.

"We're calling for and demanding the immediate arrest and charge of Jeffrey Hash. Fayetteville City Council, especially Councilmember Davis, it's your responsibility to take up for, to stand for the people that you represent," Shaun McMillan said. "We also ask the council tonight to pass a non-binding resolution that denounces the behavior, the injustice of the Fayetteville Police Department in not arresting Jeffrey Hash on Saturday."

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office announced Monday morning that the off-duty deputy who was involved, Lt. Jeffrey Hash, has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. He has not been arrested or charged with any crimes.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has video of the incident should contact the SBI Southeastern District office at 910-778-5724 during business hours or 800-334-3000 after hours.