The fatal shootings of two African-American men by police this week and Thursday night’s fatal shooting of five police in Dallas have touched local residents. Peaceful marches were held in downtown Charlotte on Thursday and on Friday area residents expressed their thoughts on Charlotte Talks.
Although the shootings happened in Louisiana, Minnesota and Dallas, area residents are feeling the pain of those tragedies which are heavy on their minds.
“I’m not a member of that community but if I were I would believe with all of my heart that most of the killings are the type of almost assassination like killings,” from a Mooresville caller.
“There’s a fear in our community because of the accountability factor. When criminals commit crimes, they go to jail. When cops commit crimes they don’t,” said a Charlotte resident.
“A lot of people have a tendency to choose a side, whether they want to mourn for police officers or black lives that were lost. But I think it’s ok to mourn for both and you don't have to choose a side. Feeling bad for everyone is OK,” said another caller from Rock Hill.
Other callers talked about being concerned about the safety of their children and loved ones if they are stopped by a police officer. Some expressed frustration over few officers being convicted in fatal shooting incidents, such as former Charlotte police officer Randall Kerrick whose trial last year ended in a hung jury.
One former police officer said law enforcement needs help in the form of diversity training.
“I don’t think a lot of racist cops are out there but cops who don’t understand other cultures and mannerisms and there is fear on how to react,” he said.
The conversations are continuing and callers also said they hope the media will handle coverage of the shootings responsibly.
