ferguson
Officer Wilson does his job and is punished by public
BY COLLIN LOY, EMILY HARVEY AND MEGHAN MALONEY ON DECEMBER 18, 2014
We all know the story of the recent Ferguson case, including the grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the killing of Michael Brown, and the events that followed: riots, looting and peaceful protest. As a generation, it is important that we stay updated with news and develop an opinion on matters such as this. It is also important that we know how to express our opinions and protest effectively, instead of making matters worse by adding to the violence.
In the events that followed the shooting, some members of the Ferguson community engaged in peaceful acts of protest and civil disobedience, while others around the world took part in violent events like looting stores, setting buildings on fire, and overturning police cars. Violent protesting does not help your case, period. None of us were in Ferguson on that night, so we will never know exactly what happened. But based on the evidence presented in court, along with the autopsy, we know that the jury made the correct decision. In the United States, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty. Brown put Wilson in a tough situation and Wilson acted out of self defense. The evidence presented from the autopsy contradicts a common misconception among protesters. Brown supporters chanted “hands up, don’t shoot” as they tried to convince the public of Wilson’s guilt, but the autopsy, after further inspection, showed that Brown could not have had his hands up when Wilson shot him. The autopsy actually showed, based on where Brown was shot, that Brown was reaching for his waistband where he would have kept a gun. Police officers die every year because they put their lives at risk in order to protect the communities that they serve. They are trained to protect us, but also to protect themselves. When approached by a dangerous victim, it is their job to warn said person, but also to act in a manner of self defense. It appears that Brown rushed Wilson while reaching for where his gun would have been and Wilson only fired after warning Brown to get on the ground. No matter your political background, make sure you stay on top of the news, educate yourself and develop your own opinion on the issues. In the end, we are entitled to our own opinions, and this might not change yours. But we believe the jury handled the case properly, because the evidence points towards Wilson’s innocence. Brown was shot after robbing a store and assaulting a police officer in the face, therefore showing a criminal act and aggression, and then running towards Wilson with what Wilson saw as a life-threatening act towards himself. Wilson is now being forced to leave his job, regardless of the lack of his indictment and innocence. Look at the facts; this isn’t right. |
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