Kucinich opens inquiry into Kent State shootings

Editor’s note:The following is a press release from Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s office

Cleveland, OH (October 9, 2010) – Following a new analysis of an audio recording capturing the events leading up to the fatal shooting of four students at Kent State University on May 4, 1970, Domestic Policy Subcommittee Chairman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has requested documents concerning the events from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Kucinich writes, “In connection with an article published today in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, concerning new revelations about the shootings of Kent State University students on May 4, 1970, the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee hereby requests the following documents:

1) All documents pertaining to a relationship between the Bureau, including any employment records and any payment for photographic or other services, and Mr. Terry Norman;

2) All documents pertaining to a ballistics test or forensic examination conducted by the Bureau of a Smith and Wesson pistol recovered from Terry Norman on or about the day of the Kent State shootings; and

3) All documents pertaining to assistance of any kind, including employment assistance provided by the Bureau to or on behalf of Mr. Terry Norman.”

Mr. Terry Norman was allegedly hired by the FBI to take photographs during the protests at Kent State University. During the protests, he carried a pistol. It is believed by some that he used his handgun that day, which led National Guardsmen to open fire into a crowd of students, killing four people and injuring another nine. An audio analysis of a 40 year old audio tape was conducted at the request of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. In the audiotape, gunfire can be heard that experts believe could have come from the revolver belonging to Mr. Terry Norman.