On Tuesday, tragic news broke of yet another black man killed by a police officer. Alton Sterling, 37, was shot multiple times in front of a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, convenience store in the early morning while trying to sell CDs.
#AltonSterling and his family. pic.twitter.com/ycLxGu8I9q
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) July 6, 2016
Once again, we’re left trying to piece together what led an officer to draw his gun and fire on Sterling multiple times when police had already pinned him down. We're left trying to understand how things escalated so quickly -- but really, to make sense of the senseless.
None of the immediate answers are clear, easy or remotely adequate. On Wednesday, many athletes took to Twitter to mourn Sterling, whose death seemingly lacked any justification, to pray for him and his family, and to preach, once more, that we must do better moving forward.
If you think we need to "wait for the facts" on the Alton Sterling execution after seeing the video, you are an accessory to evil.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) July 6, 2016
Foreal though wth?!? The #AltonSterling video makes me sick...its gettin out of control!! #blacklivesmatter #thisworldneedsprayer
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) July 6, 2016
Unbelievable. RIP Alton Sterling. When is this bullshit gonna stop?
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) July 6, 2016
My fuckin heart hurts for that man's family. And the fact that there is a huge possibility there will be ZERO justice is frightening
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) July 6, 2016
Don't tweet me his rap sheet. He was murdered by the police while pinned down. He was a husband and father that won't go back home
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) July 6, 2016
A video posted by colin kaepernick (@kaepernick7) on
So quick to call a black man a thug. These cops killing innocent people the real "thugs".
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
Sad thing is these cops feel like it's okay to tear up these black families smh
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
No justice in America. What is Independence Day? Definitely means nothing to black people
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
All I know is a black man was shot 6 times by 2 white cops as he was pinned to the ground. Allegedly lost body cams https://t.co/dgLBY4wuDT
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
Absolutely unjustifiable for this trigger to be pulled. There has to be reform. #altonsterling pic.twitter.com/mgsWlfntpw
— Michael Thomas (@Michael31Thomas) July 6, 2016
A prayer for peace and love spread around the world. #AltonSterling 🙏🏽
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) July 6, 2016
#AltonSterling enough is enough. So distraught I don't have words
— Devonta Freeman (@devontafreeman) July 6, 2016
We visit our family in BR frequently. Speechless numb after seeing this video. Have a million questions about WHY and HOW? #AltonSterling
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) July 6, 2016
Hard To Believe We Have Any Hope As Citizens Of The US. This Is Not Freedom Nor Bravery. This Is Sad Man. #AltonSterling
— Eric Ebron (@Ebron85) July 6, 2016
The death of #altonsterling is so disgusting and heartbreaking. Praying for his loved ones. Praying that justice is served. RIP
— Allie Long (@ALLIE_LONG) July 6, 2016
A photo posted by Seimone Augustus (@moneymone33) on
— John Wall (@JohnWall) July 6, 2016
Waking up to yet another video of a black man being shot by a white police officer. Completely heartbroken.
— John O'Korn (@JohnOKorn) July 6, 2016
Let's not pretend this isn't a race issue. This has to change, and fast. And it's up to us.
— John O'Korn (@JohnOKorn) July 6, 2016
I can't pretend to know all the facts but I know what I watched in that video and I know it's a problem that continues to tear America apart
— John O'Korn (@JohnOKorn) July 6, 2016
I'm in shock right now. #AltonSterling
— Caraun Akinó Reid (@ChopReid) July 6, 2016
Smh Alton Sterling R.I.P.
— Jelani Jenkins (@jelanijenkins3) July 6, 2016
RIP #AltonSterling 😞😞
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) July 6, 2016
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