My heart is FILLED with sadness. The police officer who killed Dontre Hamilton, shot 13 times, 14 bullet holes, will NOT be charged. The officer had a right to defend himself. Apparently, Dontre Hamilton did NOT have such a right. Dontre Hamilton was ASLEEP ON A PARK BENCH in a very public place near downtown Milwaukee. TWO employees of a nearby deli called the police because they were disturbed that someone was actually sleeping on a public park bench. WHY did they do this? Police officers responded, twice, and determined that there was no threat to himself or to any one else, TWICE. Then, a third officer approached Dontre Hamilton, while he was again asleep. He shook him awake. Which both startled and frightened Dontre, a man with a long history of mental illness. Dontre responded, as I would. THAT, apparently, is not allowed. Dontre DID reach for the officers baton. THAT is not disputed. The officer and Dontre struggled over the baton. That, too, is not disputed. What is challenged, is the officers response. He was FIRED from the police department for not following procedure. He fired 13 bullets into the body of an unarmed man who was simply living his life. Just horrendously sad. I look forward to hearing the comments from Nate Hamilton and the family of Dontre Hamilton, and to the attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union, who have stated that an investigation from the US Attorney General has been requested. Praying for Dontre Hamilton and his family, for all of the good police officers who really do make efforts to serve all of the people of Milwaukee, including those police officers who independently have created a volunteer group who seek to help the people in Milwaukee who are mentally ill and/or homeless. Peace for all of us. Jackie
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:59:56 +0000
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