7 Things You Need to Know About the St. Louis Protest
Details Surrounding the Outrage over the Acquittal of a White Police Officer After a 2011 Shooting.
Protestors are flooding the streets of St. Louis following the acquittal of a white Police officer who shot and killed a black man back in 2011. Here is everything you need to know.
1.September 15, 2017, former police officer Jason Stockley was acquitted of first degree murder in the 2011 shooting death of Anthony Lamar-Smith. Stockley tried to stop Smith because he was suspected to be making a drug deal. Smith led Stockley on a high speed chase, reaching speeds of 80mph. The chase ends in a car accident and Smith being shot in the chest. Stockley justified the shooting was self defense and says he feared for his life.
2. A recording of the incident catches the dialogue of the officers. Stockley was heard saying “We’re going to kill this mother******, don’t you know.” After shots being fired Stokley went to Smith’s car, to find the weapon. Stockley is suspected to have planted the gun in Smith’s car because the gun from the scene did not have any of Smith’s DNA on it.
3. The people of St. Louis took to the streets to protest, when hearing about the acquittal. The protests have been going on for four days now and don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. On the third night protest got out of control, when protesters resulted to damaging and vandalizing property. Late Sunday night mare than 80 protesters were arrested at one intersection. Police say they were arrested because they didn’t follow their orders to disperse.
4. Interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole had a lot to say about the protest early Monday morning saying “I’m proud to tell you the city of St. Louis is safe and the police owned tonight.” O’Toole also repeatedly called the protestors criminals and called for them to be prosecuted to the fullest. Other protesters late Sunday night captured the riot police chanting “Who’s Streets? Our Streets.” In anger. Monday night protesters stood outside the jail downtown St. Louis chanting “free our people.”
5. Young adults are also taking to protest, in the area. Students at Kirkwood High school and Webster Grove protested in their own ways. About 100 students from Kirkwood walked out and held a brief rally. About 250 students from Webster Groves just had a peaceful demonstration. Early Monday morning protesters marched to City hall to continue the protest and said they will continue to protest Tuesday.
6. Anthony Bell is the protest organizer. He says he understands why some people act out, but believes peaceful protesting is the best solution. Protesters claim that the police provoked them by showing up in riot gear and armored vehicles, but police say they had no choice because protesters were throwing things at them.
7. The protest had remained non-violent for 3 days until Sunday evening. Sunday police used tear gas, riot shields, and pepper spray to control the crowd of protesters. Monday celebrities got involved. Nick Cannon was seen marching the streets protesting wearing a Colin Kaepernick Jersey. President Donald Trump has yet to speak about this incident, but I’m sure he will soon release a statement.
Tyler Mitchell is an Advanced News writing Student at Morehouse College.
