Thread by @RCallahanWaco

I need to get y’all’s input on a case I’ve been reviewing because the way the defendant has been framed publicly doesn’t feel deserved to me.

We’ve all seen how #BLM protests were characterized in the media & the treatment protestors got. (1/7)

Rhetoric & implements deployed include: “Riots”. “Destruction of property”. K9s. Militarized police. Tear gas.

I’m raising all this now as the defendant’s mug shot is everywhere & he’s been discussed a lot lately. Defendant (D) is a 39yo 🟤 man, husband & father. (2/7)

Good upbringing, his dad was actually in ministry. He grew up in church. Then something changed. His 1st arrest came after disobeying an officer’s commands. This seems to have flipped a switch: 2mos later he’s re-arrested for organized criminal activity. (3/7)

Stayed out of trouble for a couple of yrs until he was picked up for loitering, of all things. 2 days later he’s jailed again for resisting arrest. Minor sentence but he’d end up spending another 4 months in jail before the end of that year. Just 0-60 in no time. (4/7)

With race such a hot-button issue, it’s no surprise, D gets arrested for public disorder, rioting, & a host of related charges during protests.

Folks have asked him to change his behavior - even using the Bible. Yet he’s just always been in the middle of controversy. (5/7)

While His family has remained supportive, I’m not going to lie: D probably has close to 30 arrests on his record and I’m very concerned how that presents. He was vilified by the State at every hearing & at every opportunity, they looked to make an example of him. (6/7)

Defendant’s name is Martin Luther King, Jr.

As #BHM comes to an end, never forget how law & rhetoric, have historically been, and continue to be, deployed against those fighting for Justice in the world. May we will all find ourselves on the right side of history. (end)