The misinformation being used to tacitly support the 17-year-old shooter during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin further demonstrates the reality that facts are inconsequential to supporting a political agenda.
The discrediting of Jacob Blake – the 29-year-old who was shot in the back by Kenosha police while resisting arrest – is an obvious attempt to exonerate all law enforcement even before an investigation has been completed.
It is true that in some cases where individuals resist arrest it is because they have a criminal record or have arrest warrants issued – but the fact is that police protocol does not support the killing of suspects under every situation of resistance. The instinct to discredit a suspect who has been shot by police in a questionable situation is based on the assumption that the suspect deserved to be shot.
The same group that is quick to question the character of a black suspect, suggesting that it was his fault and not the fault of the police officer – is the exact same group that is failing to recognize the very questionable behavior and motives of the white 17-year-old shooter.
The 17-year-old shooter loved the police. Of course, there will be those who criticize that – but that is not a point of contention. The young shooter – a high school drop-out – apparently shadowed law enforcement in his community and aspired to be a police officer. His aspirations of being a police officer are most admirable – but it was the apparent zealous and reckless manner in which he pursued his dreams that is disturbing.
The desire of this young white guy from Illinois to be a police officer is a perfect example of why some people should not be police officers. It obviously takes a very special kind of person to be in law enforcement, and there are individuals who dream of being cops for the wrong reasons. There should be zero tolerance for a vigilante mentality in law enforcement.
The 17-year-old shooter acted as a vigilante on his mission to Kenosha, Wisconsin. He is being held without bond on charges of first-degree intentional homicide. Two people were killed – one was injured.
Respecting law enforcement in America should not include making excuses for the individuals who do not deserve to be police officers.
