Conversation Starter- The Sean Bell Verdict
April 24, 2008
Tomorrow is a big day for the people of New York. The Judge in the Sean Bell case is expected to reach a verdict. Will the three law enforcement officers be dealt a guilty verdict?
What do you think the judge will decide? Do you think the police are telling the truth or were they just reckless? What do you think the out come will be?
As for my opinion, I’m not sure the judge will decide. I know it’s tough to put your life on the line everyday as a police officer, I can’t think of the pressure. I do think that the police made a bad decision. All three cops were working undercover to expose a prostitution ring in the club, and apparently they went out because they thought Sean Bell and his friends were going to do a drive by. But there was no ‘warning’. No “get out of the car with your hands up” or anything like that. Just shooting. 50 times. One officer shot 31 times and stopped to reload his gun! That’s just crazy to me.
On another note, some people are saying that this case isn’t about race because two of the cops are African American as well. Mayor Bloomberg is even optimistic enough to believe that they’re won’t be any backlash when the verdict is announced.
Do you agree?? Does race not play a part in the story when the officer is black too?
Shannon the Tampa Diva
mrkeyz
I am frightened for all of us in situations such as Sean Bell and his friends. We can fall victim to a gang of cops desire for overkill and never see justice. The judge today gave the New York City Police Department a free pass and declared open season on all of us.
So apparently the verdict is out….the police were found not guilty on ALL counts. Justice NOT and as never been for all.
I am in total shock about what I’ve just heard this morning about all 3 officers being found not guilty. It is SAD how this judge totally disregarded the fact that these officers took a human life away. I feel so bad for Sean’s fiance, child and family. My blessings to them all.