The British police are now saying that the shooting of a man on a London subway last week was a “mistake.” They have identified the man as Jean Charles de Menezes, 28, a legal immigrant from Brazil. Brazil is demanding an investigation into the shooting, and would like to see criminal charges filed against the police.
Now, while the late Mr. de Menezes has been exonerated as a terrorist, I have yet to hear the original facts of the shooting disputed. And let’s look at those facts:
1) It was the day after the second bombing.
2) The man was wearing a heavy jacket on a hot summer day.
3) The man jumped the turnstiles, violating the law.
4) The man ran from police.
5) The man ran towards a crowded subway car.
I would like to see the London police express their regret for Mr. de Menezes’ death, but NOT apologize. His death was his responsibility entirely. He did everything that a bomber would do, and deliberately chose not to do the things that would have allowed the police to determine he was not a threat before they were forced to shoot and kill him.
My sympathies go out to Mr. de Menezes’ family, but more sympathy for the officer who shot him. He did exactly the right thing, and has to live with the knowledge that he killed a (relatively) innocent man.
The name of this thread should officially be changed to “If it walks its gonna get shot.” Check this article out, the young man who was shot was wearing a denim coat in 64 degree weather, and did not jump the turnstiles. I hope all of the fascists posting on the thread feel sick to their stomachs.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1537457,00.html
Given the latest I.P.P.C. leaked documents (and so far unchallenged by the authorities as to their authenticity), I think you ought to remove all the comments which heap the blame on the victim, and next time don’t be so quick to believe the skokescreen when the Police shoot someone in the streets. The truth rarely mirrors the crap the police put out and the media dutifully laps up to fill space.