December 6th, 2024

Report: Black motorists often target of police-related death and aggression

By: Stacy M. Brown

Minor offenses like a seatbelt violation, a broken headlight, or a crack taillight have resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people over five years, according to a startling new report.
Many of those unarmed motorists are Black, the New York Times reported.

The newspaper conducted an extensive investigation of traffic stops in which police officers justified the shootings by arguing that the vehicle was a weapon.

The Times found that in about 250 cases, police officers had fired into vehicles that they claimed posed a threat. “Relative to the population, Black motorists were overrepresented among those killed,” the researchers reported.

For perspective, the researchers discovered that nine officers had been fatally run over, pinned, or dragged by drivers in vehicles over the past five years.

However, law enforcement officers were found to have put themselves at risk.

The researchers concluded that some officers who fatally shot motorists “didn’t appear to be in any jeopardy at all.”

Earlier this year, Katie Wright, the mother of the 20-year-old African American man shot and killed by police a short distance from a Minneapolis courtroom where former cop Derek Chauvin stood trial for the murder of George Floyd, said she was searching for answers.

Wright, and a frustrated community that still has not wrapped its head around Floyd’s avoidable murder, said there was no reason for officers to shoot Daunte Wright, Sr.

“My son was 20-years-old,” Katie Wright reminded journalists and community members on Sunday, just hours after her son’s fatal police encounter.

“He got pulled over for having air fresheners in the car that I just gave him,” she forcefully explained.

“All he did was have air fresheners in the car, and they told him to get out of the car.”

Brooklyn Center police officials claimed officers pulled Wright over for a traffic violation.

The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. in the 6300 block of Orchard Avenue in Brooklyn Center.

Police officials said Wright, the father of a one-year-old son, had an outstanding warrant.
When they attempted to arrest him, Wright retreated inside his vehicle.

“One officer discharged their firearm, striking the driver, and the vehicle traveled several blocks before striking into another vehicle,” authorities wrote in a statement, which failed to address why police shot the unarmed Wright.

A female passenger in Wright’s vehicle reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Wright’s encountered mirrored hundreds of others.

The Times investigation found that in case after case, officers claimed to have feared for their lives. “And in case after case, prosecutors declared the killings of unarmed motorists legally justifiable,” the newspaper’s researchers wrote.

However, the researchers reviewed video and audio recordings, prosecutor statements, and court documents.

They found “patterns of questionable police conduct that went beyond recent high-profile deaths of unarmed drivers.”

Evidence, researchers asserted, often contradicted the accounts of law enforcement officers.

“Dozens of encounters appeared to turn on what criminologists describe as officer-created jeopardy: Officers regularly – and unnecessarily – placed themselves in danger by standing in front of fleeing vehicles or reaching inside car windows, then fired their weapons in what they later said was self-defense,” the researchers concluded.

They said officers frequently exaggerated the threat and, in many cases, law enforcement responded with outsize aggression to disrespect or disobedience – a driving talking back, revving an engine, or refusing to get out of a car, what officers call “contempt of cop.”

Earlier this year, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) reintroduced the “Ending Qualified Immunity Act” to eliminate the legal loophole that prevents victims of police violence and civil rights violations from obtaining relief through civil lawsuits.

“Police violence against Black families continues to plague our communities. Federal, state, and local officials time and again fail to protect our civil rights and our very lives,” remarked In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell.

“When victims of police violence seek justice through civil litigation, they are thwarted by the ‘qualified immunity’ doctrine, a legal loophole invented by the courts to shield police from accountability,” Howell stated.

She continued:

“Black women are leading the movement to dismantle systemic racism and to stop police violence. Congress must heed our call for justice and the right to live our lives in peace. The same elected officials who courted our votes must now vote to protect our rights and lives by passing the ‘Ending Qualified Immunity Act.’”

Latest Articles

NEED PAST ISSUES?

Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
 
* indicates required

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

Scroll to Top
Search