The report showed that a total of 1,134 blacks were documented to have died in the hands of law enforcement officers this year alone
US, July 8, 2016 – At least 5 police officers have been killed and six others wounded in Dallas, following protest against killing of blacks in the United State.
Three suspects have been held by the police in connection with the killing of the officers.The death of two black men, Philando Castile in Minnesota and Alton Sterling in Louisiana was reported to have sparked the latest protest with the US authority seen not to be taking serious actions against attacks on the black community.
A report published by the Guardian of US showed that young black men were nine times more likely than other Americans to be killed by police officers in 2015.
The report showed that a total of 1,134 blacks were documented to have died in the hands of law enforcement officers this year alone.
This epidemic is disproportionately affecting black people. We are wasting so many promising young lives by continuing to allow this to happen,” said Brittany Packnett, an activist and member of the White House taskforce on policing.
She spoke as a police officer in Cleveland, Ohio, was cleared by a grand jury over the fatal shooting of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African American boy who was carrying a toy gun.
Packnett said the criminal justice system was presenting “no deterrent” to the excessive use of deadly force by police. “Tamir didn’t even live to be 15,” she said.
Overall in 2015, black people were killed at twice the rate of white, Hispanic and native Americans, the Guardian reported adding that about 25% of the African Americans killed were unarmed, compared with 17% of white people.
Speaking on the assault of policemen,all Americans should be deeply troubled by the fatal shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota.
“We’ve seen such tragedies far too many times, and our hearts go out to the families and communities who’ve suffered such a painful loss. Although I am constrained in commenting on the particular facts of these cases, I am encouraged that the U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation in Baton Rouge, and I have full confidence in their professionalism and their ability to conduct a thoughtful, thorough, and fair inquiry.
“But regardless of the outcome of such investigations, what’s clear is that these fatal shootings are not isolated incidents. They are symptomatic of the broader challenges within our criminal justice system, the racial disparities that appear across the system year after year, and the resulting lack of trust that exists between law enforcement and too many of the communities they serve.
“To admit we’ve got a serious problem in no way contradicts our respect and appreciation for the vast majority of police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us every single day. It is to say that, as a nation, we can and must do better to institute the best practices that reduce the appearance or reality of racial bias in law enforcement.
“That’s why, two years ago, I set up a Task Force on 21st Century Policing that convened police officers, community leaders, and activists. Together, they came up with detailed recommendations on how to improve community policing. So even as officials continue to look into this week’s tragic shootings, we also need communities to address the underlying fissures that lead to these incidents, and to implement those ideas that can make a difference. That’s how we’ll keep our communities safe. And that’s how we can start restoring confidence that all people in this great nation are equal before the law.
“In the meantime, all Americans should recognize the anger, frustration, and grief that so many Americans are feeling — feelings that are being expressed in peaceful protests and vigils. Michelle and I share those feelings. Rather than fall into a predictable pattern of division and political posturing, let’s reflect on what we can do better. Let’s come together as a nation, and keep faith with one another, in order to ensure a future where all of our children know that their lives matter.”
