The outrage over members of law enforcement killing unarmed Black people over seemingly minor infractions didn’t magically materialize out of thin air.
photo: IZZY/WENN.com
Unlike the so-called “war on police,” these 13 incidents that necessitated the Black Lives Matter mantra and movement are very real and the cause of a much larger societal problem.
—
Photo: ABC Screen Capture
Tamir Rice Is Shot
Twelve-year-old Cleveland resident Tamir Rice is shot and killed by rookie cop Timothy Loehmann in November of 2014 after two officers spotted him carrying a pellet gun erroneously reported by a 9-1-1 call.
Freddie Gray Dies In Police Custody
After being arrested on a weapons charge in April of 2014, Freddie Gray is found with what would later be determined as fatal spinal injuries while in the custody of six arresting Baltimore Police Department officers.
Eric Garner Is Choked To Death On Camera
After Officer Daniel Pantaleo puts Garner in an prohibited chokehold, Garner dies of cardiac arrest. His obesity, asthma, and cardiovascular disease are cited as contributing factors after Garner was arrested for selling untaxed cigarettes.
John Crawford III Is Shot In Wal-Mart
No criminal charges are brought against Officer Sean Williams after he fatally shoots John Crawford III, who was filmed holding an air rifle in a Beavercreek, Ohio Wal-Mart in August of 2014.
Sandra Bland Dies In Police Custody
Three days after a confrontation with State Trooper Brian Encinia for failing to signal a lane change, Sandra Bland is found hanged in a Texas jail cell. She was booked for assaulting a public servant after what authorities called combative behavior towards Encinia. Bland’s death was ruled a suicide.
The NYPD Breaks Thabo Sefolosha’s Leg
Atlanta Hawks guard Thabo Sefolosha announced plans to sue the NYPD after a post-stabbing melee left him with a broken leg at the hands of the NYPD. Officers originally charged Sefolosha with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. During the trial that ultimately resulted in Sefolosha’s acquittal, officers claimed Sefolosha admitted he sustained the broken leg prior to playing an NBA game the same day.
photo: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com
James Blake Is Assaulted On Film
It’s not everyday a retired tennis pro is seen being thrown in a dopefiend. But that’s exactly what happened when five plainclothes officers slammed, cuffed, and held James Blake outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel on September 9, 2015.
Eric Casebolt Assaults Dajerria Becton At A Pool Party
McKinney, Texas Police Officer Eric Casebolt resigned on June 10, 2015 after being filmed chasing, unholstering his gun and waving it at several black, unarmed teenagers. The incident ended with Casebolt forcing 14-year-old Dajerria Becton to the ground with his knees pressed on her back.
Michael Slager Shoots Walter Scott In The Back
A grand jury ultimately indicted former Charleston, South Carolina officer Michael Slager on murder charges after he shot an unarmed Walter Scott in the back on film in April of 2015. After a routine traffic stop, Scott briefly engaged in a struggle with Slager before running away. Slager discharged his firearm eight times and is believed to have planted a taser at the crime scene.
Peter Liang Shoots An Unarmed Akai Gurley
In June of 2015, rookie NYPD officer Peter Liang was indicted on manslaughter and various other charges after shooting an killing unarmed Akai Gurley during a vertical patrol of the Pink Houses public housing complex. Laing was ruled to have his finger on the trigger despite claiming the shooting was an accident and reportedly argued over calling his superior instead of calling an ambulance for Gurley.
