On January 12, 2013, Ethan Saylor went to the movies. He was 26. Ethan had Down syndrome. He was a big guy.
Ethan saw "Zero Dark Thirty." He was supposed to meet his caregiver after it ended. Instead, he went back into the theater to see it again.
Ethan saw "Zero Dark Thirty." He was supposed to meet his caregiver after it ended. Instead, he went back into the theater to see it again.
The manager told Ethan he needed to buy another ticket. Ethan didn't understand. He wasn't sure what he should do.
3 cops, working off-duty as mall security guards, were called to handle the situation.
3 cops, working off-duty as mall security guards, were called to handle the situation.
Ethan's caregiver tried to explain about Ethan's disability and why he might not understand what was happening. She wasn't allowed to speak to Ethan.
One of the officers confronted Ethan. Ethan got mad and started cursing. He didn't understand that much about money or tickets.
One of the officers confronted Ethan. Ethan got mad and started cursing. He didn't understand that much about money or tickets.
The cops handcuffed Ethan, fought with him, and he ended up with his stomach, a knee in his back.
He died of asphyxia. Of course, he had underlying heart conditions. He also had fractured cartilage in his throat.
He died of asphyxia. Of course, he had underlying heart conditions. He also had fractured cartilage in his throat.
I have two kids with Down syndrome. People with disabilities are "my people." I feel comfortable around them.
I could see how and why things got heated, but I was mad.
Especially when no charges were filed.
I could see how and why things got heated, but I was mad.
Especially when no charges were filed.
This didn't mean that all cops, or even those cops, don't care about people with disabilities.
But it did exemplify for me how many people in all spheres of life don't know how to talk to or engage with disabled people - something I've experienced often - and I was mad.
But it did exemplify for me how many people in all spheres of life don't know how to talk to or engage with disabled people - something I've experienced often - and I was mad.
I really didn't know what to do with being mad about that.
This is not a justification of rioting or looting other people's businesses- I can't justify that. It's not a direct comparison either.
But I do remember how mad I felt, and how worried for my kids.
This is not a justification of rioting or looting other people's businesses- I can't justify that. It's not a direct comparison either.
But I do remember how mad I felt, and how worried for my kids.
And if my faith calls me to compassion, remembering how I felt when Ethan Saylor died is helpful for me.
I hope it's led to change - to more awareness among people in power of the unique needs of people with intellectual disabilities. I pray that it has.
I hope it's led to change - to more awareness among people in power of the unique needs of people with intellectual disabilities. I pray that it has.
And I've had to spend time praying for peace in my own heart.
By the way, Ethan Saylor really admired police officers. And witnesses say he called out for his mom while he was pinned to the floor.
Policing is a really, really hard job I imagine. But I think a lot of people hope there's a better way.
Policing is a really, really hard job I imagine. But I think a lot of people hope there's a better way.
*on his stomach. Sorry.
