Katherine Johnson #7

Racial tensions high following verdict
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/hartford_cty/racial-tensions-high-following-verdict

Robert Lawler, a white cop, shot and killed a black 18 year old, Jayshon Bryant. Not only did Lawler believe Bryant was carrying a gun, but Bryant sped toward a federal agent in what seemed to be an attempt to run him over. Lawler shot at the vehicle, shooting Bryant in the back of the head. A gun was never found in the vehicle, but the threat was recognized when he tried to run the agent over. Bryant's family is outraged that Lawler was not found guilty for murder.

Bryant's father says after cops just killed his son, maybe he should worry too because they go around killing black men. Bryan't sister and mother also confronted Lawler, upset that he didn't even apologize. Lawler claims that why apologize, apologies mean you did something wrong.

I have to say that it is good that Lawler was not found guilty, and he should not apologize. Not many people will blame a victim when a cop is the killer. The man was speeding towards an agent, and cops are trained to kill. They do not give warning shots, they are told shoot to kill. Society loves to run all over police because they have the bower. And when something like this happens, they must be overusing that power, especially when its a white and black conflict. I think it is ridiculous that Bryant's parents are blaming Lawler and in denial that their son actually committed the crime and almost became the killer. Lawler did his job. The family doesn't realize that Lawler also has to live with the choice, knowing that he took someone's life.