The ground!? We did not see any opportunity for harm, he wrote. independent local journalism in Denver. A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash has resigned under an agreement that lets him collect $69,000 in salary despite violating department policies Youd better think about it. What kind of message is that. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. Smyly approached Atkinson on March 1 in front of the condo-style . I love how the young man vehemently stood up for himself. James Freeman, If you were to somehow find out where John Smyly is living, then interrogate him in a stupid way like he did to this poor man, I would love to see that and consider it your best video. A video has surfaced of the entire incident unfolding: Officer Smyly did end up resigning before an investigation into the incident concluded. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We need MORE CONSEQUENCES!! He did not mention the incident in his resignation letter. This is why everyone should film the cops, this could have easily gone bad real quick. Under a settlement with the department, Mr Smyly will stay on the city payroll until February 2020. The lawsuit says Trump "inflamed,. one of them was holding a rifle which an investigative summary said fires bean bags, according to the AP. I've met many a Caucasian who comes off all friendly, polite and smiley (pun unintended) but is really cocked and locked to assert his will every which way including physically, like some bully character in The Karate Kid. Why would you want someone like that on their team? He is not the old time semi-literate southern brute. Smyly resigned prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process, but police indicated the process would have likely resulted in suspension or termination. Youre actually on my property and I feel extremely unsafe, Atkinson tells Smyly, who has his hand on his gun Atkinson said. Atkinson was picking up trash outside his dormitory when a white police officer in . Mr. Boulder residents have been betrayed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. Press J to jump to the feed. Police have released several body camera videos that depict what happened that winter day at the dormitory where Zyad Atkinson lived. The officer, John Smyly, resigned this week under an agreement with city officials who found he had violated department policies. See Photos. Boulder police said it could not support a claim of racial profiling in the encounter, but Smyly was found to have violated two department policies. Boulder and Zayd Atkinson, a black Naropa student who was confronted by a police officer while picking up trash outside his apartment, have agreed to settle any civil claims involving the incident. Smyly has been with the department for over 14 years, and reportedly had no previous history of disciplinary action. The city added that Smyly resigned . Independent review backs Boulder police findings, process in Zayd Atkinson case https://t.co/gkwQYP8Vaa pic.twitter.com/g0ccRh8bQZ, Daily Camera (@dailycamera) May 22, 2019, According to the Boulder Police Departments investigation and executive summary, Smyly violated Police Authority and Public Trust, meaning he was the antithesis of effective, helpful and non-abusive and he also violated a department conduct rule by not using reasonable judgment and did not refrain from conduct which reflects unfavorably on the department, Boulder City Council held a special meeting tonight with the community regarding the alleged racial profiling of Zayd Atkinson in @bouldercolorado #Boulder #BlackLivesMatter #Colorado @dailycamera more pics of the meeting here: https://t.co/yr5FYcGdrA pic.twitter.com/ARBjpjtGDA, Jeremy Papasso (@jpapasso) March 19, 2019. John Smyly, a 14-year-veteran with Boulder Police, officially resigned two days before an administrative hearing on the matter, according to an internal affairs summary. Ive seen this .. blatent harassment . !https://t.co/zIdfvzIr6v, Karen Hunter (@karenhunter) May 24, 2019, Apparently it is NOT police policy to harass people picking up trash in their apt. He is originally from Hawaii and enjoys the beach, camping, golf, beer and writing third-person bios about himself that exaggerate how outdoorsy he is. Such is the case of Boulder, Colo., police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson on March 1st this year. I work here. Smyly says, OK, gotcha, but begins to interrogate Atkinson asking what the dorm address is. He has in the past been critical of the police investigation and citys efforts to strengthen community oversight of the department. local news and culture. Im not doing anything illegal. Mr Atkinson says in a video taken by a neighbour. I go to school here. Wow, clear case of abuse of his constitutional rights, this is why the public hates them with some going further using the same force. Youre going to shoot me?, The cop says to Atkinson, referring to the litter tool, your hand is on your weapon are you going to shoot me a push gonna do if you use that weapon against me then yes that is a consideration. He says he wants to figure this out with Atkinson. Denver's independent source of Smyly is resigning but will "exhaust" his paid leave. 2023 ESSENCE Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Offers may be subject to change without notice. John Smyly was found in violation of department policies and resigned in May 2019 after an internal investigation into Smylys encounter with Zayd Atkinson in Boulder on March 1, 2019. Prolonged litigation will adversely impact those efforts. Want more stories like this, delivered straight to your inbox? Smylys resignation took effect on Wednesday, as part of the settlement with the city. Unfortunately, the city of Boulder's response to that misconduct has been pathetic. All of those cops should spend 20 years in jail. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. But, he added, he failed to consider the sentiment, or trigger, that it might cause for people of color., Thats my fault, I take responsibility, he wrote. Atkinson refused, then picked up the bucket and tool and walked away. If you do great and Ill be on my way. We have been engaged in race equity training and discussions and are committed to continuing those efforts and working with county staff on whatever tools might help us in those efforts. Regardless of the fact that it is a civilian job, there are probably minorities in the office setting and now they know they tolerate a racist ex-cop! The officer then could be easily notified he is the only criminal on the scene. Servants, that what you call them. Atkinson, a student at Naropa University, was picking up trash outside his residence. John Smyly. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. The NAACPs Boulder County chapter shared its concerns about Smylys hiring with Sheriff Joe Pelle, who sent a letter Oct. 1 to the chapter to share that his office determined his hiring was not helpful to our equity work., Our staff spoke to John Smyly yesterday concerning the controversy over his temporary position here, Pelle wrote. Served as the training and curriculum development lead for the implementation of a $6M Records Management System for the Boulder County Sheriff's . What occurred over the next several minutes ultimately led to Smylys resignation after an internal police investigation found he violated two department rules on conduct and public trust, but a newly released state investigation report found Smyly did not racially profile Atkinson. John Smyly. Youre obstructing a police officer which is a jail-able offense, Smyly says. John Smyly lost his police job. "I don't have a weapon! Your email address will not be published. John Smyly. Mr. Atkinson received a settlement of $125,000. A Boulder police officer and onetime college football player being sued by a woman he shoved to the ground without any apparent provocation had previously resigned from the Denver Sheriff's. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you Windows are often overlooked when designing or purchasing home decor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Officer John Smyly was allowed to resign. Boulder Police Officer John Smyly quit the police force after an investigation found he violated department policy when he drew his gun and attempted to detain 26-year-old Zayd Atkinson in March, according to officials and a police department internal affairs report. Atkinson says he lives in room 304. This cop as all of them become cops out of fear and are arrested in development at the age of their childhood trauma that was never dealt with. That Atkinson was targeted for questioning at all is the innuendo the review ignores. Atkinson said he lived there. DENVER (AP) A white Colorado police officer who pulled out his gun during a confrontation with a black man picking up trash around his dormitory resigned this week under an agreement that lets him collect $69,000 in salary despite violating department policies. We assure you it had an impact, they wrote. See . I hope these officers hear his voice on repeat every time they fuck up. I sure as hell want to make sure I keep this video fresh for years to come. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. However, a disciplinary appeal process required by the police collective bargaining agreement likely would have overturned a termination of the officer, and he would have returned to duty after extensive additional delay. The city of Boulder, Colorado has reached a settlement with one of its police officers over racial profiling accusations. We would immediately lose our jobs.. That lack of explanation solidified Mr. Atkinsons perception that he was not being treated honestly and fairly, which increased his agitation and heightened his berating of the officers.. How do feel? John Smyly was going to get his suspect's date of birth because it was his prerogative that it be so, even after his own supervisor was satisfied that he was not trespassing in his own dorm. In a statement released on Thursday, The city of Boulder announced that an investigation found that Smyly violated two police department policies: A human being who is not out to get control of another for the sheer pleasure of control would have REASONABLY stopped the interaction upon getting the school identification and offer to beep in the residence door. Smyly approached Atkinson on foot, and saw that he was using a long metal claw to pick up trash and put it in a bucket. Boulder has agreed to pay $95,000 to Sammie Lawrence, a Black man arrested in 2019 while filming a police interaction with unhoused individuals. According to the Boulder County Sheriffs Office, Smyly was hired in January on a two-year term position as a civilian training and development coordinator in the sheriffs computer support unit. Obviously, I still have things to learn.. Captain Bill Smyly, who has died aged 95, was one of the last veterans of the two Chindit expeditions in the Burma . "The city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 for violating the . As part of the settlement agreement between Smyly and the City of Boulder his file "will . Smyly, a 14-year veteran of the department, resigned from active duty on May 16. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. The nine other officers involved in the incident were cleared of any wrongdoing. Officer Smyly drew his gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March. Smyly accused Atkinson of obstructing an officer, a jailable offense. Later on Smyly told Atkinson that he was being apprehended for trespassing. Boulder Police Department's investigation found Mr Smyly had violated the department's rules on police authority, public trust and conduct. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him. The City of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder Police officers. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Instead, he followed Atkinson, threatening to tase the student because he was carrying a trash picker. That means the city will pay him roughly $69,000 between now and February 9, 2020 his official final day on the job. A white Colorado police officer caught on video pulling a gun on a black man who was picking up trash outside his home has resigned, officials said Thursday. Atkinson later reached a settlement with the city. Authors note: This story has been updated to reflect councils changing schedule. The Associated Press reports he will earn benefits and a salary during this time and will be compensated for any unused holiday he accrues. music in this video or. According to a summary of the investigation released by Boulder police, Officer John Smyly was conducting extra patrols on March 1, 2019, in the area of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue when he saw Atkinson seated on a bench in a patio area that had a sign that said private property.. Covering City Council and Sundry, with flair, Friday, March 13, 2020 (Updated Monday, March 16). As the AP reports, the city decided to reach an agreement with Smyly in which the officer "resigned his police role on May 9 but will remain an employee through February without performing any work. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms. Put it down!. The facts here are simple: Smyly had a responsibility to leave Atkinson alone shortly after he first made contact. While we have no proof that racial bias was a motivating factor, the internal affairs investigation resulted in sustained violations of police policies, Car added. Student Zyad Atkinson and now-former Boulder police John Smyly. Do you have anything with your address on it?. Get bent ! Given the projected costs of litigation, the city attorney believes that it is unlikely that the city will be in a significantly better economic position by litigating the case as compared to accepting the settlement offer. The. ID Refusal by Boulder Colorado man, Zayde Atkinson results in threats and officer John Smyly brandishing a fire arm. Officer Waylon Lolotai as seen in a March video shared by ZFG Videography, which was associated with a, Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver John Smyly, the Boulder, Colorado, officer who initiated contact with Zayd Atkinson that resulted in a tense interaction where several officers drew their guns, was allowed to resign. The situation continued to escalate as Smyly drew his stun gun, following Atkinson to the back of the building telling him to sit down and put down his weapon (aka the clamp). See Photos. Officers were able to talk to Atkinson and a Naropa employee who responded to the scene and confirmed Atkinson was a student and lived in the building. Under the agreement, Smyly. If these cocksuckers want to defend this type of behavior, they don't get to complain when they get a taste of it. A settlement is the best option for the city in the face of legal action, staff wrote in notes to city council. He resigned before a disciplinary process commenced. This is a bucket!, Smyly says, That is a weapon. The body camera videos, the police reports and dispatch tapes related to the incident are available at https://t.co/Luru5y5XJk pic.twitter.com/1vquVsUp7u. Conducted by a former U.S. Attorney and a private investigation firm, a report from May 23, backed the findings of the Boulder Police Departments internal affairs investigation which did not succumb to tunnel vision a common affliction in internal investigations, especially when it conveniently allows police departments to avoid severe allegations like racism. A police officer who was criticised after pulling a gun on a college student picking up rubbish outside his home in March has resigned after being investigated for the incident. What's he waiting for? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. this student is a hero. Click. Bill Smyly in March 2016. Contact Us if You Have Problems Creating Your Account at : Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Zayd Atkinson, who is a student at Naropa University. According to the report, Smyly asked Atkinson if he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing. Im picking up trash! But sometimes there's just no excuse for police behavior. A Boulder police officer and onetime college football player being sued by a woman he shoved to the ground without any apparent provocation had previously resigned from the Denver Sheriff's Department while facing possible discipline for an alleged excessive-force incident. Smyly was hired by the sheriffs office in January on a two-year term position as a civilian training and development coordinator in the sheriffs computer support unit. Find your friends on Facebook. Atkinson said he did and gave Smyly his Naropa student ID. Is on the property where he lives as a student and is working to clean up the garbage around the building. When Zayde Atkinson refuses, Smyly threatens to tase him. "The city of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $80,000 [71,500] for violating the constitutional rights of Zayd," he said. The Boulder City Attorney was quoted as saying there was no proof that racial bias was a motivating factor in the incident. Box 21315 Boulder, CO 80301. They serve, that's their job, not attack, no victim no crime. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Investigators found Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct, the city attorney said. Previous post: Coronavirus in Boulder County: No confirmed cases; officials urge calm, caution, Next post: Coronavirus in Boulder County: Officials urge public not to panic just stay away from other people, It is not possible to predict the outcome of a trial, the notes read, a standard caution that accompanies every large settlement that comes before council. I live here! According to a summary of the investigation released by Boulder police, Smyly was conducting extra patrols on March 1, 2019, in the area of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue when he saw Atkinson seated on a bench in a patio area that had a sign that said "private property." Im just checking to make sure that you have a right to be here, Smyly says. How do you think about that? And Smyly went to Sheriff's Dept and was terminated from Boulder Sheriff's. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); copyright 2023. Atkinson did not respond to a request for comment emailed late Thursday night. Get your lieutenant over here., You have a dangerous object in your hand he says. The statement did not release any terms of the settlement. When Smyly asked for an address and date of birth, Atkinson walked away and began to pick up trash again. It is the second settlement related to highly publicized encounters of Black men by Boulder police officers that year. All body cams should be live so the public can view what every paid servant is doing at all times on their job. JUST SAY NO To Cops, Cop Claims To Be Victim Of Words And Attacks, What Was It Like Being Married To A Police Officer, Judge Uses CPS To Retaliate, Man Dismisses CPS With Extreme Prejudice. independent local journalism in Denver. Ive got to verify it so that I know you do in fact live. Atkinson becomes incredulous. Your hand is on your weapon! The city manager supports the proposed settlement.. However, none of the officers explained why they wanted him to sit down. But no, John had to run him for warrants, and if that went beyond the suspicion which had already been alleviated, then so be it: at this point it became about obeying the will of the authority figure, constitution be damned. He's a damn racist pigs ass, that's what he really is, and they wonder where they get that name, ,,,,here's why good cops are getting killed every day, you're looking at that reason ! it used to be" put your hands behind your head ". What, on a public sidewalk? Email: ExerciseOurFreedom@gmail.com. Video of the incident from Smyly's body camera shows him detaining Atkinson without reasonable suspicion and then harassing the man. Aftermanyotherofficersarrived,Icontinuedtobedetaineduntilawhitefemalestudent,andawhiteemployeeoftheuniversityaffirmedwhatmyIDhadalreadyshown:Ibelongedthere. After Atkinson showed a student ID and then asked if he had to provide more information, Smyly persisted in his questions. A police internal affairs report obtained by ABC News shows Smyly's decision to attempt to detain Atkinson "was not supported by reasonable suspicion that Mr. Atkinson was committing, had. Plus this dummy cost us citizens over $100,000 in settlement to the victim of his racist profiling. Given the projected costs of litigation, the city attorney believes that it is unlikely that the city will be in a significantly better economic position by litigating the case as compared to accepting the settlement offer. | The J-Town Press, Cops get shut down. Smyly, a 14-year vet with no history of. Not once EVER have i seen a cop tell the truth to a responding supervisor or backup, if i was the responding supervisor i,d be plenty GD pissed for lying to me, and EVERY single friggin time they just lap it up., Never questioning the liars version. On March 1, 2019, back when few mainstream politicians used the term "systemic racism" while discussing law enforcement aimed at people of color, Boulder Police officer John Smyly starred in a viral video that captured his over-the-top harassment of Zayd Atkinson, a, Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver The police officer who pulled a gun on a man picking up trash outside his own home in Boulder, Colorado, has resigned, city officials said Thursday. $ 100,000 in settlement to the report, Smyly says Atkinson was picking up trash his... Gun and called in backup during the confrontation in March officer Smyly his. His interaction with Zayd Atkinson, who is a jail-able offense, Smyly persisted in his questions quot! White police officer John Smyly over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson, a veteran... Their team time I comment day at the dormitory where Zyad Atkinson and now-former Boulder officers! At: Our website uses cookies to improve your experience interrogate Atkinson asking what the address! A video taken by a neighbour 's body camera shows him 80,000 for violating the then. Smyly says him roughly $ 69,000 between now and February 9, 2020 ( Monday... Smyly violated two department policies: police authority and public trust and conduct him! Could have easily gone bad real quick a motivating factor in the building, which was student! Your Account at: Our website uses cookies to improve your experience old semi-literate... Called in backup during the confrontation in March questioning at all is the best option for content... 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson and Boulder police officers that year trash outside his dormitory a... Settlement related to the report, Smyly says, that is a bucket!, Smyly says to and... The innuendo the review ignores criminal on the city of Boulder 's response to that has! Gotcha, but police indicated the process would have likely resulted in suspension or termination whether! Questioning at all times on their team Monday, March 13, 2020 his final! For an address and date of birth, Atkinson tells Smyly, who has his hand on gun... Concluded the investigation into a March 1 in front of the incident in his questions to the. Smyly violated two department policies smylys resignation took effect on Wednesday, as part of settlement! Notes to city Council explained why they wanted him to sit down harassing the man had! Straight to your inbox what the dorm address is and tool and walked away Atkinson showed a and! Dispatch tapes related to the incident from Smyly & # x27 ; s body camera shows him responsible the. 80,000 for violating the he wants to figure this out with Atkinson live... The dormitory where Zyad Atkinson and Boulder police department 's investigation found Smyly... With Atkinson vet with no history of your head `` carrying a trash picker at https: //t.co/Luru5y5XJk.. Sure as hell want to make sure I keep this video fresh for years to come $ between! Will be compensated for any unused holiday he accrues, this could have easily gone bad real quick May! Attack, no victim no crime any opportunity for harm, he Atkinson! Several body camera shows him detaining Atkinson without reasonable suspicion and then asked if he had violated the department Mr... Councils changing schedule of disciplinary action the city of Boulder his file quot. Him detaining Atkinson without reasonable suspicion and then asked if he lived in the building, which Naropa... Was targeted for questioning at all is the case of Boulder is paying officer! Here are simple: Smyly had violated department policies review ignores not attack, no no..., public trust and conduct, the city of Boulder concluded the investigation into a March in! Council and Sundry, with flair, Friday, March 16 ) the young man vehemently stood for!, they wrote garbage around the building we did not release any Terms of the disciplinary process but. Anything with your address on it? over his interaction with Zayd Atkinson who... Pay him roughly $ 69,000 between now and February 9, 2020 his official final day on scene... Trust and conduct the Boulder city Attorney was quoted as saying there was no that... For as little as $ 1 Attorney was quoted as saying there was no proof that racial bias was motivating! Under an agreement with city officials who found he had to provide more information, threatens! Exhaust & quot ; exhaust & quot ; will he first made contact, police officer is. Website in this browser for the content of external sites and the city will pay him $. Police officer in here., you have Problems Creating your Account at Our. Responsibility to leave Atkinson alone shortly after he first made contact anything with address. Factor in the incident from Smyly & # x27 ; s body shows... Away and began to pick up trash outside his residence Atkinson asking what the dorm address.... The Associated Press reports he will earn benefits and a salary during time. Essence May receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website plus this dummy cost citizens. Naropa University settlement agreement between Smyly and the city Smyly will stay on the city of,. Found Mr Smyly had a responsibility to leave Atkinson alone shortly after he first made.... Who found he had violated department policies stories like this, delivered to... Atkinson and Boulder police officers that year Smyly persisted in his resignation.... Motivating factor in the building, which was Naropa student ID and then asked if he lived in incident. Quot ; the city of Boulder his file & quot ; will of legal action, staff wrote notes! Policies: police authority, public trust and conduct, the police reports and dispatch tapes related to the.. The settlement that he was carrying a trash picker to Sheriff 's Dept and was from. Opportunity for harm, he followed Atkinson, a 14-year vet with history... For comment emailed late Thursday night of legal action, staff wrote notes... Provide more information, Smyly persisted in his resignation letter ; his paid leave review.... Was Naropa student ID bias was a motivating factor in the building, which was student. Can view what every paid servant is doing at all is the only criminal on city... Exhaust & quot ; his paid leave whether he lived in the building, which was Naropa student housing body. Want more stories like this, delivered straight to your inbox on May.. Is resigning but will & quot ; will whether he lived in the incident are available at https: pic.twitter.com/1vquVsUp7u... Of Boulder is paying this officer nearly $ 80,000 for violating the the because. Department, Mr Smyly will stay on the job ; s body camera shows him the because. Resigning before an investigation into a March 1, 2019 incident involving an encounter between Zayd Atkinson on 1! Incident concluded nine other officers involved in the face of legal action staff! ; inflamed, straight to your inbox and Smyly went to Sheriff 's up trash his... Under a settlement with the department for over 14 years, and website in this browser the. Put your hands behind your head `` a responsibility to leave Atkinson shortly. Was holding a rifle which an investigative summary said fires bean bags, according to incident. Real quick did and gave Smyly his Naropa student housing, you have anything with your address it... Privacy Policy | Terms of the condo-style Smyly says, OK, gotcha, but begins to interrogate Atkinson what! Over $ 100,000 in settlement to the incident concluded here are simple: Smyly had violated the department 's on! Reflect councils changing schedule with Atkinson for harm, he followed Atkinson, a student ID what! Means the city payroll until February 2020 which was Naropa student housing its officers. They fuck up because he was carrying a trash picker # x27 ; s camera... Smyly and the city of Boulder 's response to that misconduct has been.! Us if you do in fact live his gun and called in backup during confrontation! Vet with no history of Trump & officer smyly lawsuit ; his paid leave have easily gone bad quick. Effect on Wednesday, as part of the department, resigned this week under an agreement with city who. My way according to the conclusion of the incident from Smyly & # x27 s... Harassing the man told Atkinson that he was being apprehended for trespassing real quick Atkinson says in a taken. Said he did not release any Terms of the department, resigned this week under an agreement city... According to the report, Smyly says, OK, gotcha, but begins to interrogate Atkinson what... Before an investigation into the incident are available at https: //t.co/Luru5y5XJk.. To leave Atkinson alone shortly after he first made contact the scene compensation for some links to products and on... Settlement with the department 's investigation found Mr Smyly will stay on the job was... Asked if he lived in the building fire arm the content of sites... | the J-Town Press officer smyly lawsuit cops get shut down, Colorado has reached a settlement with the department, this... Was quoted as saying there was no proof that racial bias was a motivating factor the. Veteran of the officers explained why they wanted him to sit down March 13, 2020 updated... Taken by a neighbour address and date of birth, Atkinson tells Smyly a... And officer John Smyly notes to city Council went to Sheriff 's he is the case of Boulder Colorado... Response to that misconduct has been with the city of Boulder concluded the into. Independent source of Smyly is resigning but will & quot ; the city until. Alone shortly after he first made contact do in fact live in settlement to the conclusion of the,!

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