Description

 Deadly Force

“Lawrence O’Donnell Host of MSNBC’s The Last Word”

In 1975, James Bowden, Jr. was shot and killed by two undercover police officers in Boston. The police claimed that Bowden was an armed robbery suspect and had fired a shot at them, but Bowden’s widow, Patricia, believed otherwise. She sought out a lawyer to take on the Boston Police Department and found Lawrence F. O’Donnell, the author’s father. O’Donnell embarked on a three-year battle with the police department to win justice for Bowden.

Despite multiple internal investigations by the Boston Police Department that exonerated the officers involved, O’Donnell knew that the truth would come out. He fought tirelessly to prove that the police officers had used deadly force unnecessarily and that Bowden was an innocent victim. The case was highly contentious, but O’Donnell’s determination paid off, and justice was finally served.

Deadly Force is a powerful reminder of the long and tortured history of police misconduct in the United States. It highlights the need for continued efforts to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions and to ensure that justice is served for victims of police brutality. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice in America.

About The Author

Lawrence Francis O’Donnell, Jr. is a multi-talented individual who has made a significant impact in various fields. Not only is he an accomplished American political analyst and journalist, but he has also dabbled in acting, producing, writing, and hosting. One of his notable achievements is hosting The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, a highly regarded opinion and news program on MSNBC. Originally airing at 10 p.m. Eastern, the show was later moved to the coveted 8 p.m. slot, taking over Keith Olbermann’s Countdown in late January 2011. Before hosting his show, O’Donnell frequently filled in as a host on Countdown, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the political realm.

In addition to his hosting duties, O’Donnell has made appearances as a political analyst on various shows, including The McLaughlin Group, The Al Franken Show, and Countdown. His contributions to the television industry extend beyond analysis, as he has also achieved success as a producer and writer. O’Donnell’s talent was recognized with an Emmy Award for his work on the NBC series The West Wing, where he served as a producer and writer. Furthermore, he showcased his creative abilities as the creator and executive producer of the NBC series Mister Sterling. O’Donnell’s versatility extends even further, as he has occasionally taken on acting roles. Notably, he portrayed an attorney in the HBO series Big Love, leaving a lasting impression with his performances.

Before making his mark in the media industry, O’Donnell began his career as an aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. His dedication and expertise led him to become the Staff Director for the Senate Finance Committee, where he played a crucial role in shaping policies and legislation. O’Donnell’s diverse experiences and accomplishments have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the political and media landscape, making him a prominent and influential individual in his field.

“Featuring A New Preface and Afterword by the Author”

From the host of MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell comes the riveting story of a 1975 police shooting of an unarmed black man in Boston one of the first to draw national headlines- and the dramatic investigation and court case that followed.

“RIVETING.” –  NEWSDAY