I can’t substantiate, but I heard on radio that they interviewed 12 neighbors/people who heard it, and 11 said they didn’t hear any call out or anything prior to going in. I understand the use of no-knock warrants, but there is an argument that they can be dangerous for officers too.
I don’t believe the main gist is that it was a “targeted hate crime.” In this case, it sounds like the officers lacked thorough preparation and investigation into their case. Just as with any profession, there are good ones and bad ones who run fast and loose.
As a criminal defense attorney, I hear these stories all of the time (aside from a death being involved). The officers exercise supreme authority, and they don’t necessarily have to announce who they are at any time. Usually though, they are wearing something to identify them, but that can be too late to see. As to body cameras, most investigative units/organized crime units do not wear them. They work with CI’s and deal with confidential information, so they are excluded from cameras. In my jurisdiction, you will only see body cams on patrol officers.
Also, SWAT/tactical units are hardly ever used for execution of warrants. Those units are specialized and are only used in crisis/special situations.
