Oakland's Shootings

About two months ago, a young man was killed by BART police in an Oakland station. There are two videos that show a subdued man get shot by an officer. The shooting was ridiculous, and the officer is facing charges. There have been many rallies and protests in the bay area condemning this action. People do have a right to be angry about this event. (However, it has been suggested the attack was racist and there is no evidence this is true).

A little over a week ago, a man with an extensive criminal record shot and killed two officers. Then the man fled to a nearby neighborhood and hid himself in a building. After getting a tip, SWAT entered the building and two more officers were shot and killed. The perpetrator was shot and killed by SWAT.

Earlier today, more protests occurred in Oakland calling for an end to police brutality. As a bay area resident, I was extremely pleased that the BART shooting was protested extensively. I thought it was a sure sign that police brutality will not fly. Then this tragedy happens and more protests happen. It was extremely upsetting to see this, even more upsetting for the family of the victim in the BART shooting. The recent protests call into question the integrity of the previous protests. I cannot begin to fathom the reason for the recent protests. My condolences to the family of the four slain officers.