"POLICE SHOOTINGS IN THE US" by Brooke H.

 

The country over the summer was politically divided over the shooting and death of George Floyd. His death led to the Black Lives Matter movement to end police brutality and racism within the police system. Recent shootings have led to civil unrest once again. This is after another video of a police officer shooting and killing another unarmed black person: Adam Toledo. Toledo was just 13 years old and in the video many are claiming that he put his hands up and was compliant; yet, he lost his life and was shot by officer Eric Stillman. This is all unfolding simutanelously as Derek Chauvin’s (the officer that shot George Floyd) murder trial is taking place. 

So far this year alone, 235 people have been shot and killed by the police in the United States. This and the publized murder of George Floyd has caused much controversy across the country and continues with the trial. Chauvin has pleaded not guilty to second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. The trial will hear it’s closing statements this monday and will in the end have listened to 45 witnesses. The jury is also expected to have a large deliberation time. Floyd’s death has still been ruled as “undetermined.” Chauvin has pleaded the fifth, and has only been heard telling the judge that it was his decision and his decision alone. No matter what happens, the country will be watching just like this past summer. 

This sensitive topic has seemingly divided the country once again. Recent police shootings have opted us to ask these questions once again: what can we do to stop these killings? Who is responsible? Is Chauvin guilty? What role does this play with gun violence?