(Headline USA) Soros-backed St. Louis attorney Kim Gardner is reportedly refusing to press charges against a woman who was caught on video participating in a shooting over the weekend.
According to police, Amber Booker, 33, was arrested during an investigation into a shooting that occurred toward the end of a Cinco de Mayo festival on Saturday night. Booker is seen in multiple images holding a gun alongside a man, who was also holding a gun.
But Gardner, who recently announced she was stepping down from her role as circuit attorney, is refusing to press charges because of a “lack of evidence” for each count charged, the police department said.
Police had charged Booker with two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action.
Yesterday, @SLMPD arrested 33-year-old Amber Booker in connection w/ Cinco de Mayo shooting.
Today, @STLCAO refused all charges, citing "Lack of Evidence" for one count of each charge and "Victim Refuses to Assist" for one count of each charge.
Police have released Booker. pic.twitter.com/nT2WiUASvi
— Michael Calhoun (@michaelcalhoun) May 10, 2023
In a statement, Gardner’s office denied it had abandoned the case.
“We are working closely with police on this ongoing investigation,” her office said. “We cannot comment further at this time.”
Gardner has been under fire on multiple fronts and is even facing an investigation of criminal contempt from the state attorney general for failing to do her job. She initially declared that she would not leave office voluntarily, but apparently changed her tune last week.
“It is with a heavy heart but steadfast resolve that I am resigning my position as your Circuit Attorney, effective June 1,” she wrote, being sure to inject the race card.
“Unfortunately, since the time I took office, as the first Black, female prosecutor in the State, people outside of the city have targeted me and, to advance their goals, have also targeted the fundamental rights of the city’s voters,” she added.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who has led the state’s efforts to oust Gardner, said in a statement that his office remains “undeterred with our legal quest to forcibly remove her from office” despite her resignation.
“Every day she remains puts the City of St. Louis in more danger. How many victims will there be between now and June 1? How many defendants will have their constitutional rights violated? How many cases will continue to go unprosecuted?” he said in a statement.
