The Case of Jonathan Ferrell

Today, I encountered an article entitled “The Killing of Jonathan Ferrell.”  Jonathan Ferrell was the former FAMU football player killed by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer as Ferrell sought help after having an auto accident.  The piece was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates for “The Atlantic.” A variation of the article entitled "Police Shooting of Former FAMU Student Not Necessarily Wrong" was re-posted on “The Root.”

Jonathan Ferrell, killed by police while seeking
assistance after a car wreck.          FAMU photo

Mr. Coates reports, he believes racism had little to do with the circumstances surrounding the death of the football standout.  Also that, he does not believe any wrong doing will be found in the actions of Officer Randall Kerrick.

There may or may not have been any intentional racism on the part of the home owner or the responding officers, that's hard to say.  However, American society in inundated with racial stereotypical assumptions, many leading to misconceptions and errs in judgment.  One major misconception is, if you encounter a black male, particularly at night, he's up to no good.  In the case of Jonathan Ferrell, his size was more than likely intimidating in itself.  So although the homeowner’s actions were inappropriate, it is somewhat understandable.

The police officers on the other hand are a different story.  In every case, they should be serving every citizen with equal zeal and enthusiasm.  The use of deadly force should be the last resort as opposed to the preferred course of action.  And in this case, before using deadly force, every effort should have been made to communicate with Ferrell.  The initial reports indicated Ferrell startled the officers as he quickly approached the officers. 

 What indicates wrong doing on the officer's part in my mind, is the number of rounds discharged (12), ten of which struck Ferrell.  This seems beyond extreme.  With the manner in which police officers shoot to kill in this country, I'm not surprised their investigation would find no wrong doing. 

Why must those designated to protect and serve be so quick to kill?  Shouldn't they be protecting and serving all citizens?  How does one teach a young black male to call the police when they need help, if the responding officers might "mistakenly" take their lives?

I’m not hatin, I’m jus sayin…