Body of driver of auto Michael Johnson, 20 year old of 978 Union Ave Bronx. Lying on 3rd ave Bridge with knife in his hand after he was shot by Ptl. Charles Passela. Johnson slashed at Ptl. Passela after being stopped in car chase at the above location

Godfrey

December 2, 1971 · Gelatin silver print · Photographs

The Associated Press caption on the back of this print seems to tell the whole story of someone shot dead by a policeman in self-defense. With the advent of cell-phone cameras and the resulting revelations of police misconduct and brutality, however, the once infallible word of the authorities can no longer be taken at face value.

Artist

Godfrey

Date

December 2, 1971

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Purchase, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Gift, through Joyce and Robert Menschel, 2001