Alton Sterling is the subject and victim of the newest police brutality video. This video is the most sickening one that we’ve seen since the Eric Garner video. And, like Garner, Sterling’s police brutality video shows a man being overpowered and then subsequently murdered. Sterling was shot in the head at point blank range.
I’m not going to put the video up because it’s sickening and I don’t think it’s the right thing to do on this site. I also don’t think it’s right that we parade these victims around. While I don’t doubt that these people are martyrs, it doesn’t seem right that the police brutality video trend is sweeping the internet.
For anyone trying to slide into my mentions with the #alllivesmatter please miss me with that and read this. pic.twitter.com/3UiiaqMXtl
— Imani Hakim (@anakih1) July 6, 2016
Since the shooting, the head of the NAACP is calling for the mayor and police chief of the town in Louisiana where Sterling was shot to resign. The police chief said he does not plan on stepping down. And this is ridiculous. In every other major country when an elected official (see David Cameron) feels that he/she has failed the community which elected him/her, they step down. Out of both respect and because they just can’t do their job adequately. Allowing your officers to rampage through the town murdering people is an example of an inadequate leader.
Them: #AllLivesMatter
Us: pic.twitter.com/bpX8RWvnUC
— Bossip (@Bossip) July 6, 2016
The FBI is investigating the case and both the officers that were involved in the murder have been placed on administrative leave. The authorities have urged people to be peaceful if they’re going to protest the shooting. But we all know that’s not the way this is going to play out. This is just the latest example of racism and police brutality and I have no doubt that some level of anarchy will visit this little southern town before the incident is wrapped up.
While Sterling was not a model citizen, he certainly did not deserve to die. There are varying accounts over what happened. A call was placed saying he threatened somebody outside with a gun and the police said he had a gun though there are many accounts that say he did not have a gun. Even the owner of the store recognized him and knew him as a “friendly presence” at the store. This is what the police chief said in a press conference.
JUST IN: Police chief: Officers responded to report of man with gun, encountered Alton Sterling, "who was armed." https://t.co/AZAbwQEzax
— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) July 6, 2016
Read More:
Video Portrays The Fears of POC Because Of Police Brutality
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