Though the dire issue didn't land enough discussion time during Tuesday's Democratic Debate on CNN, national police reform is quite possibly close to achieving a tipping point of sorts. With the eyes of younger voters firmly planted on the issue thanks to the large Twitter presence of groups like #BlackLivesMatter, candidates are being forced to at least acknowledge the problem during most interviews and appearances.
Related Stories
A History Of Extreme Police Brutality
A recent incident that sparked riots in Oakland reminds us that the cops are not playing. Take a look back at their worst offenses.
A History of Rap Songs Protesting Police Brutality
“I guess cuz I'm black born, I'm supposed to say peace, sing songs, and get capped on.”
Bernie Sanders Announces New Policy Platform Aimed at Making Police Reform a Reality
After #BlackLivesMatter protesters beautifully co-opted a Bernie Sanders event in Seattle, Sanders responded by issuing detailed outline for equality.
With videos like the one above from @darealbighomiee being uploaded with startling frequency, the issue once again proves its urgency. This man and his friend, both identified as Howard University students, were reportedly hanging out near a bank ATM when confronted by police officers. According to WJLA, the officers were responding to a call stating that a so-called "suspicious person" had been discovered near the ATM and might be "trying to rob people."
"The individual resisted, and was handcuffed while resisting after he refused to stop," Raw Story quotes the police report as stating, also clarifying that no arrests were made. "The person making the video was interfering with police, and was also detained while the incident was investigated." After uploading footage of the incident to Twitter, @darealbighomiee revealed that the source of the "suspicious person" call was a "white couple" who reported to police they felt "uncomfortable."
Let's talk more about police reform, candidates.
