by a Muscogee County Sheriff's Deputy during a botched drug stop (
"More
collateral damage in the War on Drugs" is the first post on the Walker
shooting with more story links and discussion) around the 11 of
December continues to be THE talk topic around Columbus.
Update Update
The New Main Page is here with link to the tape of the shootingUpdate
Update
Regardless of whether Kenneth Walker was shot intentionally or not,
the first reaction of the Law, even with a uncooperative deputy who
refused to be interviewed, was “to blame the victim.”
That alone should scare the ever loving hell out of all of you.
Update 23 November 2004 Update
Robbie Watson, host of Talkline on 1420 WRCG radio, has informed me that
the Grand Jury returned "NO INDICTMENT " of former Muscogee County Deputy
Sheriff David Glisson in the shooting death of an unarmed Kenneth Walker
Update Update Update 4 November 2004 Update Update
31 August 2004
The Kenny Walker series continues in the Downtown Columbus paper.
"Who was Kenny Walker?
High school basketball star, family man had many sides"
and
Where the case stands
Injured district attorney slowly begins return to work in Albany.
Two things to note.
The fact that he was unarmed makes little difference to me. I'm a
concealed carry and I have little doubt that that would have been used as
an excuse if it had been me...or him carrying. Being a concealed carry
shouldn't give the law a free pass. As a matter of fact, the more of us
who carry, the more circumspect the law would have to be. Especially as it
becomes more routine for the law to run into armed citizens.
Why blacks as a group support gun control, I've never fully understood. It
seems to me that a group who were denied their rights and as mistreated as
they were through part of our history shouldn't want to voluntarily
disarm.
Ok, make it three.
For my gun discussions, I go to
Sayuncle.
30 August 2004
For those of you keeping up with "The shooting death of an unarmed Kenneth
Walker", here is a
story by Richard Hyatt on Deputy Sheriff David Glisson
Update 16 January
Sheriff Ralph Johnson Statement on the Shooting of Kenneth Walker
Update 20 January 2004:
The family responds
Update
New updates will be placed at bottom of page before the comments.
The original story's and comments about Kenneth Walker are at the "
More
Collateral Damage....."
Getting information from the Columbus, Georgia authorities is like pulling
headless nails. If it had been someone like me, the reaction would have
been ho-hum, but it appears this guy had a really good reputation.
Columbus Mayor Bob Poydashef is asking for
patience. We hear from the GBI and the FBI that they will release the
information when they have finished their investigation. That's
understandable.
But, in the mean time, the situation festers like a infected sore. The
local PUSH group is wanting The Rev. Jesse Jackson to intervene and is
pushing for boycotts. They will join the local NAACP and National Action
Network chapters in picketing in front of the Government Center next week.
A petition is being circulated calling for Sheriff Johnson's resignation.
"The cynic in me says that the call for the removal of the sheriff is a
political move aimed to benefit some future un-named black opponent more
than anything to do with this case in it's current state."
Update 16 January 2004:
Some are criticizing the GBI about the delay in releasing the results of
the investigation. It's kind of hard to investigate when
the 3 civilians and the Deputy aren't talking. I can understand the
deputy not talking, but I'm having trouble understanding why Mr. Walker's
friends haven't talked to the GBI.
Update 21 January 2004:
Attorney Gives Reason for Being at Apartment
I saw a report on the local news that Mr. Walker's friends have talked to
the GBI. I'm looking for a link now.
This is all I've found so far
Update 22 January 2004:
NAACP holds a forum, 21 January, on examples of law enforcement
misconduct.
Another article in the Ledger-Enquirer concerning the NAACP meeting.
Update 23 January 2004:
Rep. Calvin Smyre received this reply from the GBI:
"is considered active and not subject to public dissemination until such
time as the district attorney has either concluded the prosecution of the
case or made a determination that no prosecution will occur."
In other words "Not now, later"
Update 26 January 2004:
In my eyes,
a previous outrage.
The true updates on the shooting's circumstances will be sometime in the
future. As noted in the above update, few new details will be released for
awhile.
I'm just a good ol boy here in Phenix City keeping a journal. My
definition of a "good ol boy" is probablly different than most of the
readers of this page and I make no pretenses of being a journalist. I have
a deep dislike of the abuse of government powers, regarding the "War on
Drugs" as one of the worse and I am a concealed carry. That item alone
would be enough for the Law to try and justify my death in this type of
case.
If anyone has contacts or organizations to supply updates or information,
please encourage them to email me. Local preferred. My decision to use the
material will be on a case by case basis
Update 29 January 2004:
Cooler heads must prevail-The Columbus Urban League
Update (vaguely though not directly related) 6 February 2004:
Area legislators seek bill to stop racial profiling
NAACP
514 1st Av Columbus, Ga
706-322-1437
Email: ????
Update
11 February 2004:
The GBI and FBI ivestigation is ongoing.....two months after Mr. Walker's
shooting.
"The investigation is still pending, and there is no timetable," FBI
Special Agent Steve Lazarus said.
NAACP Columbus Chapter President Edward DuBose was back in front of
Columbus Council
The Walker family has retained a
lawyer.
Update 12 February 2004:
Your emails are paying off in drawing national attention to the story.
I would imagine that "the Powers that be" will try to put the "story" to
bed shortly.
Any software geeks that can tell me how to set this system to show the
posts in ,,,say pages of 25 comments per page? Tech idiot here
Update 14 February 2004: DA will get GBI's report next week
But when will the public get it?
When the report is released to the public or decisions are made to
prosecute or not, I'm going to start a new page with a very similar
headline like "The shooting death of an unarmed Kenneth B. Walker II".
I'll put the link both at the top of this page and in the comments.
It seems to me that official GBI report will be a natural breaking point
for the comments and news to date.
Unless someone can point out a reason for me not to.?
Update 18 February 2004:Release to the Muscogee County District
Attorney Gray Conger will occur Friday.
"Conger has said that the transfer of the GBI's report to his office will
not result in the immediate release of more details -- including a
sheriff's department's videotape -- of the incident."
Update: 19 February 2004:
Deputy Sheriff David Glisson, who shot and killed Kenneth Walker in a
botched drug stop, has been fired.
Fired
Videotapes, other information about Walker shooting won't be released
Muscogee County Sheriff Ralph Johnson's statement on Glisson's termination
Update: 20 February 2004
GBI
Delivers Kenneth Walker Report
Update 21 February 2004:
Citing ties to deputy, Conger asks Georgia's attorney general to take over
The story so far
Update 24 February 2004:
Columbus had better raise the ante on that "penny" sales tax they want.
$100
Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Walker Case
Ledger-Enquirer
Walker family files lawsuit
Traces of drugs in Mr. Walker
Update 27 February 2004:
Richard C. Hagler
Attorney for David Glisson
Attorneys, Joseph Wiley Jr. of Columbus and Dwayne L. Brown of Montgomery,
Ala, representing Warren Beaulah, Anthony Smith and Darrel Ransom, the
three friends with Kenneth Walker when he was shot are asking to see the
video of the incident. They argue that it is only fair since Richard C.
Hagler, attorney for Muscogee County Sheriff's Deputy David Glisson, has
seen it.
Update:
Visit this page to comment or speculate or.. on the Kenneth Walker
case
Update 8 March 2004:
WTVM
Attorney General Thurbert Baker has appointed Dougherty Circuit District
Attorney Ken Hodges to examine evidence collected in the shooting death of
Kenneth Walker by former Muscogee County deputy sheriff David Glisson.
Update 10 March 2004:
Recall application rejected
Rainbow/PUSH Coalition will try to oust sheriff again, Howell says
Update 26 March 2004:
Followill rejects arguments from three men's attorney
Muscogee Superior Court Chief Judge Kenneth Followill on Thursday denied
another attempt to make public the videotape of the shooting death of
Kenneth Walker.
Update 10 April 2004:
Kenneth Walker honored with posthumous award
Update 15 April 2004:
Lawyer plans expanded lawsuit
Bill Campbell changes course after seeing video
Update in a related sort of way 1 June 2004:The
17 year old son of Muscogee County sheriff Ralph Johnson has been
arrested and charged with driving under the influence and possession of
marijuana with intent to distribute.
Update 3 June 2004:
Sheriff's office dropped from suit Judge rules department is immune
from such lawsuits under Georgia law
BY JIM HOUSTON
Update in a related sort of way 1 June 2004:The
17 year old son of Muscogee County sheriff Ralph Johnson has been
arrested and charged with driving under the influence and possession of
marijuana with intent to distribute.
Must have done what he was told, huh?
Update: 12 August 2004
The Dougherty County district attorney assigned the investigation of
the Kenneth Walker shooting has been hospitalized following a serious
automobile accident Tuesday on Interstate 75
Update 17 July 2004:
"Decision on Walker case not likely before August
Case load, DA's contested election cited as reasons
BY JIM HOUSTON
Staff Writer (Downtown Columbus Paper)
The investigation into the shooting of Kenneth Walker won't be taking its
next step until some time in August."
My hats off to the powers that be in this case. They deflated a rather
dangerous situation rather nicely.
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
Comments
This story was forwarded to American Family Rights Association today by
email.
We have formatted the story and put it on AFRA News. It is front page at
the AFRA website right now.
The AFRA webmaster.
I am so happy that many people are becoming aware of AFRA. I am of the
opinion that once everyone stops sleeping, justcie then, will prevail. As
for Mr. Walker, this is nothing new, especially with the poor and
minorities. I believe that this is just another wake up call. I believe
that now is the time for everyone to join. As the National Director over
AFRA's Legislative Affairs, I hear of these occurances all of the time. We
can no longer contiue to except these types of wrongdoings. Their must be
a National march. As we begin to organize this event, I am asking that you
all meet one and teach one. Continue to look at the updates for the march
that will be occuring soon. As for now, put out the word that their is
going to be a National march very soon. Lastly, thank you all for visiting
my site on
http://www.drshirleymoore.com.
Respectfully Submitted
Dr. S. Moore
Send this page to your congressman and/or your senator. Go to
http://www.visi.com/juan/co... Your voice only counts if it is heard.
I am emailing a link to all of my friends urging them to respond because
numbers count in our country.
To the Walker family, my most sincere sympathy.
I would like to offer some tactical insight pertaining to this matter. As
a military veteran with 20 years experience in tactical operations (TACOPS),
hand/shoulder firearms and dealing with various insurgents (Taliban,
Columbian, etc), I would like to know how this "judgment call" was made by
the deputy when 1) your supposed offenders are in a physical position
(prone-lying on the ground) to not do any harm to you 2) you have the
tactical advantage by surrounding them 3) drug dealers (whatever country)
don't stop for the law or military when heavily armed 4) if he resisted, a
tap (shot) in the leg would make anybody think twice about attempting an
assault(he would still be alive) 5) what defensive measures were discussed
prior to the start of the operation or vehicle stop - "shoot to kill" or
"shoot to injure" 6) what did the deputy see in Mr. Walker's hand that
allowed him to make this "judgment call" and tap him "in the head"; was it
really that life threatening? 7) "Separate and overcome"; if the vehicle
was heavily armed then why not bring each subject out individually, search
them, handcuff, and place them on the on the curb thereby eliminating any
possible threat/assault to the deputies. I can go on and on but the damage
is done.
Another black male is dead because of DWB (driving with blacks). Law
enforcement failed to do their job (what happened to innocent until proven
guilty). The deputy became judge, jury, and executioner for an innocent
man. Black America cannot let this go unpunished or it's going to happen
again, and again, and again. Law enforcement is going to have to develop
new tactics in dealing with situations like this. Muscogee county sheriff
tactics are outdated and do not adhere to our current times that we live
in. We are no better than Saddam's enforcers in Iraq if we allow acts of
irresponsible rage to go on like this. This is not an accident, it was a
deliberate action. The deputy made an individual judgment call so
therefore he made a conscious decision to pull the trigger based on the
actions of Mr. Walker. I ask you, what did Mr. Walker do that threatened
the deputy’s life while he was aiming a loaded weapon at Mr. Walker while
Mr. Walker was in a position to not perform a half-decent assault (had he
even think about doing a ridiculous thing as that). Think about it, you’re
on the ground in a prone position and someone is 5 feet away from you with
a loaded weapon. Are you going to get up and run at that person or just
lay there like directed? BANG!!-BANG!! I call for the resignation of the
deputy sheriff for an unproven act of violence against an innocent
civilian and for not using proper decent procedures against another human
being.
We must be aware of random acts of violence against innocent civilians. A
few years ago, the survival rate of young black men diminished between the
ages of 16 and 25 due to gangs, police violence, etc. If you were over 26,
you were safe. Now, black men 35 and over are being targeted. What’s next,
Muscogee county sheriff will probably stop a Cadillac escalade with black
men 55 and over because cigar smoke is emitting from the half-open tinted
windows.
God bless Mr. Walker and his family.
This is a wonderful thing that you are doing. I am living in Atlanta now,
but I am originally from Columbus and I am now disgusted that the police
really believe they can do what they want and nothing will everyone will
just be silent. I will keep checking your site for updates.
My heart goes out to both families in this tragedy. The Walker family and
the Deputies family. For those who have not had to make a quick decision
that pertains to life and death, I ask that you not condemn a man before
all of the facts are in. Was this wrong? 100%. Was it motivated by false
information? 100%. Was it motivated by race? NO. The officers did not
point out this car, a fellow citizen did. Perhaps the informant should be
the subject of the profiling question and the statements of hate. Please
don't condemn one man due to the loss of another. Justice is the finding
of the facts. And the fact is, this is a sad day for ALL the citizens of
your great community. How you react to it will define how great your
community trully is.
I'll be praying for the Walker Family....
I have just read that the Bush administration plans on giving the Justice
Dept. 2.2 Billion Dollars for the development of IT systems... 29 Million
of that will fund a "Terrorist Screening Center, which would combine a
dozen terrorist watch lists."
Federal Computer Week, Feb. 9,2004, Page 10.
Should Homeland terrorists be one? YES! How can we make it so??? Maybe
it's time that we make our case against Homeland Terrorism. Maybe that's
the name of our fight for the new generation of the Civil Rights Struggle.
For sure, now America knows the sting of Terrorism from abroad and from
within. Maybe now is the time and Terrorism is the Theme. What better time
than when the public is all too aware of the many threats and types of
terrorism.
Mister President of US of America
Can you please step in?
Would the next President of the US please step in?
We Love You America!
I'm very good friends with the other three victims that were riding in the
vehicle with Mr. Kenny Walker and also the lawyer that is representing
them. My condolences indeed go out to the walker family for their lost.
But it seems to me that this tragedy is not generating the national media
attention that it rightly deserves. This shooting happened back in
December, a few weeks before Christmas. We've done interviews with CNN
over a month ago, which still have not been aired. We were told after the
interviews were conducted that they would be shown nationally a few days
later on CNN, but yet we've seen nothing. I found out Tuesday (Feb. 11 04)
that there was some talk about this case on the Lou Dobbs Money line
(about time), but other than that you have to really search hard to find
out anything about this case. I'm extremely disappointed, but again not
surprised at the lack of media attention given to this case and others
like it, but you can rest assure that God is a just God and He has
delivered men and women of color that have been oppressed and targeted in
the past and He will do the same for us today. Continue to hold on to the
faith that helped our ancestors through their struggle.
God bless the walker family and the other victims involved. THIS WILL NOT
GO AWAY!!!!!
"After the shooting incident, at approximately 10:50 PM, the search
warrant was approved and served at the apartment in question.
Approximately 3 grams of crack cocaine ($300.00) street value, 24 grams of
powder cocaine ($2.400.00) in street value, and a Talon 9 mm handgun were
recovered. Darrell Jackson and Thomas Randall were
"
I know this comes from the Sherrif offical statement on the matter at the
top of this page, but these are the only facts we have at the moment and
it begs the question of what was really going on.
I echo the sadness mentioned above for this trajedy and I await all the
facts to come out.
In responce to the shooting death of Kenneth B. Walker. its time for a
revolution
FREEDOM
Take to your arms america.
Let justice ring
With an old-fashioned song.
Let freedom ring,
Let freedom ring;
Let it ring with a painful sting
Sting, ring
Ring-a-ding-ding
blap-upa-da-cap
All over the map
I’m strapin mine
With a shiny tech-9
Rollin hard core
Bustin
a bitch for America to hear
Got my pit bull
Rollin shotgun
Making the targets
One-by-one
I’m God now
Y’all redneck
Mutha fuckahs
Best run
Let Freedom ring
Let Freedom ring
Let it ring with a painful sting
Sting, ring
Ring-a-ding-ding
blap-upa-da-cap
All over the map
Before seeing this site, I thought this was just another twisted e-mail
going around...I just knew that this COULD NOT have happened in
2003/2004!!! I am just in total shock right now and I will definitely keep
his family in my prayers....and I pray that justice is served and that
this will come to the light..I am very disappointed that some national
organization has not brought this to light yet!!! TRAGIC, just TRAGIC!!!
bradybeard I see your days are numbered on this earth with that
attitude!!!
Why can we not wait and see what the Columbus Police, the GBI, and the FBI
find in the investigation regarding Kenny Walker? The people of Columbus
screamed and yelled wanting an independent investigation to be
conducted...and they got their wish. Now they need to quit screaming and
yelling about how long it's taking. It's called THE LEGAL PROCESS. Of
course it's not going to be over in a week or two!
God Bless and Good day to all!! Once I read this devistating story I went
into tears and anger!!! It baffles my mind how the American government can
use there power to do such an awful thing. Like a previous comment
written, how in the hell can we go fight terroism when we have terroism
here in our own country! Yes, that's correct we have it here in our
country, the main players in this situation to me are the police. They are
one of the most evlistic groups.We hear about our black brothers
everyother day being murdered at the hands of the so-called protectors.
We(Black America) must stand up and form a revolution. We must not stand
for this any-longer!! Please continue to support the cause and keep the
comments and notes coming, this can help bring justice and closer to those
who are suffering and those who have!!! Much love to all my black brothers
and sisters, and a special prayer for Kenny and his family and friends!!!
I have been to a few rallys for Kenneth walker and I can not understand
why the people of Columbus Georgia are not showing more support to the
NAACP and the rainbow coalition! Citizens of columbus please, please help
us seek justice! We are praying for the Walker family and praying for
justice! This is an outrage and we need all the support that we can get
down here in Columbus, Georgia! We have a long history of brutality and
mistreatment of African Americans in this southern state! Please help us
unite everyone near and far! Thank you all!
I feel that this should be addressed. It is a shame we can't drive or go
anywhere without be questioned. We work just as hard as any other race. We
will always have it hard no matter what. But myself, I am going to keep my
head up and let God Fight my battles. But don't get me wrong you can only
turn your cheek but so many times.
"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal"
Kdog
Pi-Omega Chapter
2nd District
This wound won't heal. It may stop hurting in about 10 years, but it will
still be here. I went to school with Kenny. I am a Police Officer. I have
played several possible scenarios in my head and I cannot imagine any
situation where this should have happened. Thinking that I may be bias, I
have asked other officers to look at the articles and stories to get their
opinion. We are all in agreement. This should not have happened. I am just
waiting for the outcome of the GBI investigation and "Justice for Kenny
Walker". God bless his family and keep them strong through this.
I am for gun control but with a twist. It is so easy to pull out a weapon
and feel that surge of power. It is so easy to pull out a weapon and
effectiuvely feel that the great equalizer has made one in control. But
the truth is simple, a weapon is used because the user of a weapon cannot
defeat the person with his/her barehands.
There should be gun control, but here is the twist. If you feel that
person is wrong then put your hands up and handle the situation like a
"man". But this situation will not happen. It has been like this since
Biblical times where a weapon is used in the name of justice. For example,
David defeated Goliath in the name of justice (and God) using a weapon
since he could not defeat Goliath with his barehands.
It is so unfortunate because this is the mentality that I have seen from
many law enforcement officials (that I have encountered). Being Black and
succesful (by either legitimate means or not) is conceived as a threat and
a source of power. Therefore, we as Black Americans who are successful are
held to another standard. This standard in some cases unjustifably
warrants the use of excuses and justifications given by the law
enforcement that was involved in my Fraternity brother's death.
It is ironic that Whites who are successful (by either legitmate means or
not) can have involment or association with persons of not so upstanding
moral character (look at Rush Linbaugh and his drug suppliers which were
doctors), but are not murdered even though being suspected of drug use
and/or drug activity. Futhermore, these same people are not stopped for
driving an expensive vehicle by a narcotics investigation and robbed of
their life.
What is my point with all this being said? We as Black Americans are not
seen as equal despite the politcally correct responses from corporate
america, law enforcement, and other powers that be in this country. We
need to be beyond reproach in all our activities and dealings. Much like
the mentality of some our fellow Black Americans during the days of
segregation, we should be more aware of the ramifications of our actions
and interactions since we cannot do as we please like that of our White
counterparts without penalty. We need to adopt this mentality until we are
powerful enough economically and politically to make change where all in
this is country can be treated equally.
LORD help us all! Where does justice start/stop...... I pray that God
deliver us from the hands of this wicked & perverse world. This is plain
as black/white! I pray that the Walker family will find strength in the
God.
I'm extremely disappointed in the way "Black America" is looking at our
legal system. Do you not realize that police officers, male / female,
black / white, risk their lives EVERY DAY for YOU? If you were in an
emergency situation, who are you going to call? 911 or the NAACP?
Frustrated in Columbus, you've got to be kidding. Obvously you've never
had relatives shot and killed by "peace keeping" officers. Obviously you
haven't seen what "peace officers" have been doing to our dark skinned
citizens. Obviously you've never been stopped and haressed because you
have a decent car. What about the cases of racial profiling made public
across the country? What about the case after case of unarmed black
citizens being shot and killed when a wallet or candy bar or a finger is
mistaken for a firearm? You've got to be kidding. Where do you live under
a rock? I agree that "peace officers" risk their lives daily but the
casualties are mounting monthly, weekly even daily and most of these
casualties are minorities. You have to admit that there's still some sort
of racial tension going on in this country.
Let's assume that you are German and every week you hear of a German
person being killed by Japanese "peace officers". Unarmed innocent
Germans. Do you not have the right to be angry?
MR Telephone Man, First of all, you don't know me. But FYI: my father was
pulled over for SPEEDING and an officer drew his gun on him, so I am aware
of the behavior of "trigger happy" police officers. I also believe that if
you are going to talk about minorities, you should include ALL minorities:
not just black, but also hispanics, asians, native americans, arabian
americans, etc. Blacks are not the only minorities in America. There are
more blacks in America than these other groups that I previously
mentioned. While I DO know that there are RIDICULOUS senseless killings by
law enforcement, I believe there are innocent people and those who break
the law, regardless of what race they are. I believe there are good cops
and bad cops. I also believe that the public should wait until ALL FACTS
are presented before they jump to such rash conclusions. Just like African
Americans do not like to be "lumped" under a stereotype, I'm sure all in
law enforcement don't enjoy being "lumped" as murdering "bastards".
We apologize Frustrated In Columbus, if we aren't showing the support for
police officers all overthis country the respect you feel they are due.
But you see, in this country, you never know "who" will respond to your
call for help when you dial 911. Will the officer be someone who will
help, or shoot you because they feel you are the problem. Black people
want to feel the safety Law enforcement is "supposed" to offer, but do one
thing, Read the newspapers, and tell me what you see. More and more Black
people needlessly dying at the hand of "The People's Protectors" and not
paying anything for it, because Black men are considered in this country,
as expendable. What would happen if, it were Jews that were being
needlessly killed???? Would we hear about it in the nightly news in every
state and city.
But also in agreement with Sameold. Our complacency as a people damns us
to death and attitudes just like Brady Beard's.
The emails here are not just about Kenneth Walker, but about our own
frustration over being treated worse than animals. Why worse than animals,
because if these things had hppened to animals the offending Officers
would be in jail serving time for inhumane cruelty to animals.
What is happening to them for the lives of humans.
Kenneth Walker
Amadou Diallo
James Bryd
The list grows longer and we're "still" just as angry.
Awaiting the call,
I want you to know, I do read the paper. I read it every day. But also, I
agree with most of what you intelligently wrote. I only wish more people
spoke with common sense instead of rambling and screaming.
Dear Readers,
I feel that I need to speak out about the killing of Mr. Kenneth Walker
from the standpoint of the daughter of a former AL State Trooper. I am
tired of people shouting racism every time an African American person is
injured or killed by police. I do not know if the deputy is Caucasian, but
I am willing to bet he is, although African American officers are also
accused of being racist. What would have happened if this had been a
Caucasian motorist? Is there any agency that only supports the concerns of
white men who are unjustly accused of something suspicious such as the
NAACP? It is said that Mr. Walker was "resisting" the officers. Why? Why
did an officer feel threatened enough by an unarmed, "innocent" man to
draw his weapon (which he has hours of training in doing) point it
straight at this man's head and squeeze the trigger? Was it lack of
training or was he simply trying to kill an African American? I can not
agree with individuals who insinuate that this deputy-who is even now
devastated by the fact that he killed a man-did this on purpose. Most
officers of the law take "Protect and Serve" very seriously. They are out
there day and night trying to keep the streets safe. There is usually
nothing between them and any person they stop but a "bullet- proof "vest.
Any officer will tell you that Kevlar does not cover every inch. They are
aware of this every time they step out of their patrol vehicle and even
their own vehicle. Yet, they still do it. It is their job; they take it
seriously. Officers go through hours of training in order to get to the
point they are at. I do not know if this deputy was poorly trained or not.
His training would have dictated how he handled the situation on Wednesday
night. SOMETHING caused him to feel in danger of his own life-He
definately aimed for the wrong spot, but he may not have even gotten to
aim. Sadly, in the narcotics battle, there seem to be more African
Americans selling their lives for drugs than there are Caucasians. Racial
profiling is illegal in most states. Officers know this, but how can they
do their jobs, when they know they will be accused of being racist every
time they stop an African American motorist by mistake or need??? I have a
friend who is a narcotics investigator. I know that he and his collegues
thoroughly check out each and every "lead" they get for an investigation.
However, there are cases of mistaken identity and many of these
informants, like the one mentioned, are drug dealers/users themselves.
Most are just trying to reduce their own sentences by helping to catch
other dealers/users. Many of them help out to cover their own rear, so to
speak. It is not unknown for them to attempt revenge on the competion by
giving officers information.
When an officer approaches a vehicle, most assume the person inside is
potentially dangerous. There are cases when some believe in their fellow
man, drop their guard, and wind up shot themselves trying to change the
way people think of law enforcement. The police are not in a conspiracy to
kill/maim/incarcerate the entire African American population. They are
simply following their training, instinct, and information. SO, I said all
of that to say this: Officers of the law swear to uphold the laws, not
commit them. I feel the greatest sympathy for Mr. Walker's family. I know
that nothing done to the deputy will make their loved one come back. If
this officer was not following his training, it is the fault of fate, and
possibly the department, that put Mr. Walker and the officer in such a
horrific situation. The deputy should be held accountable for his mistake
in killing this individual. No matter what happens, if he still has a job,
he will always be afraid to stop another motorist who is
suspected/mistaken to be involved in a drug case. He will always think of
what he did, on accident (stopping the wrong vehicle and shooting to
kill). I am sure he meant to disable the victim if his instinct saw Mr.
Walker as a threat. I will never believe that he killed an innocent man on
purpose. May God bless ALL of the people in this case. I just hope that
the truth will be revealed. Thank you for letting me speak up. People need
to speak out about the injustices that officers are accused of by people
who do not understand what is involved in attempting to make THEM as safe
as possible. Anonymous.....But Determined
Thank you Determined2. My point exactly!
Determined2 and Frustrated.....are you all serious. Yes true there are
some officers who abide by the law, and take their jobs seriously. There
are the few who do truly "protect and serve". But, there are also those
out there who abuse their power. Yes, abuse of power is the issue. I don't
care what color you may be, it is done.....And that seems to be exactly
what has happened here. Kudos to the ones you know who do what’s right,
but I can guaranty you know at least one person in power who would abuse
it if presented the opportunity. The fact remains that an innocent black
man was shot and killed, because of someone else ignorance. It was
purposefully done ….I find it impossible that you can just accidentally
shoot someone in the head, twice with a rifle. And him being “upset”,
please spare me……if I did something wrong and knew it would cost me my
career, my life, I’d be “upset” too. Get real and wake up to what is going
on around you. I know several officers black and white who will tell you
that this does indeed happen, there is such a thing as racial profiling,
and racism that exists among them. Now how about you looking at all the
facts before you are so quick to jump to the aide of these so called
“protectors “
Dear Frustrated in Columbus and Determined2. Thank you for your insight
into the other side of the picture. In many cases beyond Law Enforcement,
the actions of a few, stain the good intentions of many. But true as your
statements may be, the facts stand for themselves. Too many innocent Black
men are paying a cost far too high for mistakes, misconceptions or farce.
Like I said before, what you read here, is not only about Kenneth Walker,
but all those who were shot down before him and all that will be shot down
after he's forgotten. Everyone from every city has a story they can tell.
Frustration, anger and fear all speak here. There must be some reason for
it.
Eyes Wide Shut, Can you proove it was purposefully done?
to conerned citizen and all of america:
when we as a people; black, white, milato, hispanic, asian, or hienz57 die
at the hands of the officials that WE place in office. When we die at the
hands of another mistake it is time to start making resonible parties pay
the consequences. Lets talk about consequences for a moment. I know that
if i would error my judgment of a physical dispute between a man and a
woman i would enjoy the consequences. Likewise, one touches a hot stove -
you get burned. As a professional WHITE SKINNED AMERICAN i dont condone
radom killing for vengence. However, what i do mean to suggest is that we
(America) get of our complacent asses join together as one and not accept
this anymore. When im pulled over for a traffic violation I'm scared to
death. Images randomly flash in my mind of Mr. Rodney King and the riots
that insued america following the legalality of justice dished out by the
official (im reminding you) that WE ELLECTED!! Maybe it is time for a
revolution, maybe its time for our citens to take arms and protect our
own. What I do know is I DONT FEEL SAFE ANYMORE AND IM SURE THAT THERE ARE
MANY OF YOU WHO FEEL THE SAME.
to concerned citizen.
Thankyou for your concern it warms me.
Despite your fortellings of my life cycle. i would gladly give my life for
you, our nation- to change this poison that sickens us all. I refuse to
sit idle while people are slane in mistake. if my blood can/will/might
bring change or even plant a seed that will grow change i will feed the
soil of amercia with my blood.
Concerned Citizen,
It seems to me that someone that is complacent enough to let OTHER people
dictate when and how they die are just waiting for a slow painful death.
Those that are blind enough to expect a MAN (or woman) in authority to do
the right thing with their life is just too damned trusting. Those people
are sheep. Hell, Thomas Jefferson said in the the Declaration of
independence, that
"...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the
same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it
is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to
provide new Guards for their future security."
You had better get your own tec 9 or whatever you choose to proect
yourself. Or lay down and take it whereever THEY want to plant it in you.
Remember back when, when NOBODY trusted the man? There are still LOTS of
men that don't deserve to be trusted with my life in their hands.
One other thing I keep reminding brothers and sisters is that regardless
how similarly their skin is to mine, it aint' about color. It's about
heart. Your skin may be as black as the universe, but if your heart is
absent, you are an enemy of mine.
Living in Austin, Texas, we have been experiencing a genocidal attempt to
eradicate African-Americans. Last year we had 3 very suspicious deaths (2
males, 1 female) by law enforcement officers. Our Police Chief decided to
provide Air Tasers for his officers so that they would not have to use
deadly force when stopping or apprehending an unarmed suspect. Of course,
the Chief only did this after a group of Austin area ministers called for
his removal, along with the resignation of the City Manager. Here's the
kicker, the Policeman Union here has been very vocal about opposing the
use of the Air Tasers, and have instructed their membership to make their
own judgment calls when conducting police business on the street and told
them to disregard the Chief orders if they feel it is warranted and that
they would back them legally 150%.
It is hard to believe that this is the year of our Lord, 2004. When will
it all stop?
I have followed the news of Mr. Walker's murder from day one. I still have
a hard time believing that this happened. But it will continue to happen
all people don't band and demand a change. I have four sons and I fear
everyday that the same thing could happen to them. My prayers go out to
the Walker families.
Yes, EYES WIDE SHUT-an innocent MAN lost his life-It is a shame that this
man is mainly being remembered by angry strangers because of his color-Is
this really the way to honor a lost part of humanity? I await the day that
color is not even the issue. Dr. MLK died trying to make this a reality.
However, both "sides" are making this nearly impossible I am sad to say.
This man should not have died-accidentally or purposefully-But just maybe
this will actually help to unite both races, colors, cultures. We are not
really so very different when viewed from our souls. Maybe one
day.....Determined2
PS-you are totally right when you say some people will abuse any position
of power EWS
BTW-EYES WIDE SHUT-are you telling me that you would not be "upset",
shocked,or devastated if you killed an innocent person??????? I am alarmed
hearing the talk of those of you who are taking the Extremist
viewpoint.....what will that solve? Who will that save? Who would learn
something from that? What would it gain anyone except death and damnation?
We are not the judges here. The Almighty knows what is to be done with
this deputy. Please people, Peace is needed here.
Americans of all skin color and..... ...Uhmm eh-hem, excuse me!...Hell
isn't that WHAT American IS?!!! The country that wouldn't digest the
"king's" demands.... The people that wouldn't accept law from the Papacy
(sp)?!! We are all ONE heart ONE blood - WE ARE AMERICANS!!!
I urge each and every one of you to seriously talk with your children,
family, church-folk, neighbors, friends; hell, strike up some conversation
in the check-out lines!! i urge and challenge each and every one of you
readers to discuss/ DISCUSS! the violent tragedy that IS befalling
America.
Haven’t we gone to war to abolish leaders with actions such as these? It
brings thoughts of the current struggle in Iraq against terrorism, it
brings thoughts of world war 2(Hitler and umm that whole genetic cleansing
he was after), it brings thoughts of the blood shed and sacrificed on our
own soil in the civil war - DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT THAT WAS ABOUT? No! It
was NOT black and white, it was about equality that was placed with
reverence, gently, and purposely in the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA. I will confess to you, reader, that I am not as knowledgeable
as I would like to be on MY OWN civil rights and what has been stolen from
me in a dark-wood paneled room. I will say, however, it is time, now, that
i learn them and do EVERYTHING IN MY POWER to make change for tomorrow,
because if i don't my children (and yours) could die at the same un
accountable, fat, white-bellied, pork-skinned, excuse-making,
toxic-waste-breathed, demonically driven, political and community leaders
that have murdered for years. And I have to tell you- I will not have
that; it IS unacceptable. I am a Christian man, and my heart tells me that
this is un-acceptable. My kin-folk, my blood, my brothers of ancestors; I
dedicate my blood for this change, America must be awakened.
When the report comes out, I'm going to start a new page with a very
similar headline like "The shooting death of an unarmed Kenneth B. Walker
II". I'll put the link both at the top of this page and in the comments.
It seems to me that official GBI report will be a natural breaking point
for the comments and news to date.
Unless someone can point out a reason for me not to.?
Why are you all surprise at this event. In this day and age we are still
fighting for the very survival of life. This was a destined to happened,
and don't give me that we haven't had a shooting in ten years crap. I bet
if you dig deep enough in that officers career you would find some other
compliants or reports of wrong doings. The more thing change, the more
they remain the same! That's Columbus, GA I can now remove that off the
list of places to live!!!
If Kenneth Walker was linked in ANY way to drug related behavior...could
it be at ALL possible that the deputy did feel he was in danger...and that
the killing of Mr. Walker WAS AN ACCIDENT? Why does everything have to be
black vs. white?
JAY, if he had any complaints, I doubt he would have been on a special
task force.
FRUSTRATED, It will always be black vs. white, because few people are
programmed to accept differences and many people will not forgive past
wrongs.
Frustrated in Columbus:
So are you suggesting it is within the officers job desription to be judge
and jury? If so then we are all doomed to a life of socialistic
dictatorship; IE as long as we move w/in the shadows and make sure "the
man" (government) doesnt here us or our complaints we are able to live. -
NOPE unacceptable for me.
And if everything does seem to come down to racial profiling why are women
harased? Why are white men beaten?
Bottom line for me and my opinion is NO AMERICAN - HUMAN BEING should be
profiled. We are supposed to be living in law of democracy - not
Napolionic; which assumes that you are guilty unless you can prove
otherwise.
It hurts my heart DEEPLY when people's lives are taken so harshly. To me,
it doesn't matter what the circumstances were for them pulling over the
GMC Yukon in which the late Kenneth B. Walker was riding in. No one
deserves to die. If that sheriff felt that his life was in danger, what
happen to shooting below the waist (leg or something)? Why did he feel the
need to shoot him in the head? I know that the police officer occupation
was created to assure our safety but I fear them more than I do the
criminals. A lot of officers lost sight of their mission to protect and
they think that walking around with a badge on their chest, and a gun and
handcuffs on their sides make them more powerful. They think that they are
the next step to being GOD. GOD is the true judge and jury.Only HE has the
power and right to take someone's life. He makes all decisions. People
(especially white) think that black people should just GET OVER what
happen to our ancestors but it seems as though we haven't gotten too far
when it comes to the law enforcers and blacks. I am not prejudice because
"we black people" know that there are just as many bad black cops as well
as white but it is always a WHITE COP killing a BLACK MALE. I pray for
Kenneth and all those other people killed under injustice. God Bless All!
I would never want African Americans to "just get over slavery". Also the
Jewish people should never "just get over" the Holocaust. Both atrocities
were wrong and thankfully ended. I do not believe that a badge and gun
makes law enforcement personnel think that they are God. I think it might
make them feel a little safer even though the criminals usually are better
armed these days. I was always taught that only people with something to
hide were afraid and/or hated the "Cops". I realise now that there are bad
apples in every profession. I would just like for people to stop using
"always and never" when talking about law enforcement. No one always or
never does anything. COndemn the ones who do wrong, and pray for the ones
that do right, because there are many of them out there. I think that some
of this will end when the results are in from the GBI. I just hope that if
this officer deserves to be punished, that he is to the full extent of the
law. I hope it does not end up like the Rodney King case. That was a total
warp of the judicial system. If he purposefully meant to kill Mr. Walker,
he should go the same way. If it was an accident, hopefully he will still
be taken off the streets. One last thing, I think we should stop even
talking about racial profiling being involved in this case. I was under
the impression that the deputies were acting on an informant's
information. He or she is the one who told the deputites to stop that
vehicle. Seems like the informant would be the one to be accused of racial
profiling.
My heart is aching so much, I can't even begin to know what I can say to
make a profound difference in this case. It saddens me so, because I am a
wife, with one child, and a wonderful husband. What will I do if this
happens to my husband. How can I begin life again? I am so sorry to hear
about this incident. My eyes are filled with so much emotion. I will like
to say; Never give up with fighting for the justice system in Georgia to
resolve this case. It may not happen as soon as you will like, but it will
happen. So please never underestimate the power of "GOD", because it may
not come when you want it, but it will come.
To the family members left behind, you are in my prayers and I am truly
sorry about the unfortunate incident.
Bradybeard, how often does an officer have time to decide if someone with
a gun waving around will murder him/her first? It would be nice if all of
the nice, decent, honest criminals would shout out, "I AM NOT GONNA SHOOT
YOU!", there would be no need for profiling. Chances are this "profile" is
gonna shoot first. Whether they are black or white. Looks like a duck,
acts like a duck, Judge and Jury, must be a duck. Would you rather that we
have no one to uphold the laws? Would you have total chaos? I wish that
for one day officers would stay home and complain about others for a
change. Maybe then the anarchists will see that there is no order without
enforcement. Please don't use a forum dedicated to the shooting death of
an "innocent" African American to beat up on and criticise the government
we now have. I ask you respectfully, what kind of government would YOU
rather have? Or would none at all suit you best? I bet it would suit the
criminals. No one can say they are law breakers if there are none to
break!
Does me being a concealed carry duck make me fair game? If I'm break up an
armed robbery, do you think it's ok for the law to shoot all involved and
sort it out later?
No kidding Determine 2. I think everyone is forgetting that they WEREN'T
pulled over for driving a nice car. They were pulled over based off a DRUG
INFORMANT'S INFORMATION!
And also, Monica Lawrence...how do you know that it wasn't an accident?
Perhaps in the struggle the officer meant to shoot him somewhere
else...and a sudden movement ended up in the final results? Accidents do
unfortunately happen!
Chuck, you would not be fair game but in the wrong place at the wrong time
which is what seems to have happened to Mr. Walker. I also have to think
about the fact that you are judged by the company you keep, and what
company was he with? Dont forget that the deputies were opperating under
the suppositon that the occupants of the SUV were armed-I would assume
suspected, armed drug traffickers would be inclined to shoot me. If you
were breaking up a robbery, that is an entirely different situation.
Believe it or not, in a situation like a robbery most cops have enough
sense to assess a situation like that pretty quickly. If you don't shoot
at them, and get down when they tell you to, you probably would have
nothing to worry about. Again, the circumstances are different.
Chuck, what would you have done in the officer's place when he suspected
that Mr. Walker had a gun?
It's ashame that in 2004 people still don't overstand what type of evil
beings that we are dealing with. They took off the white sheets and put on
blue uniforms.Replaced the ropes with handcuffs and guns.Took of the white
knight symbol and put on the badge. It's time for us to wake up and see
that the Evil people(beings)on this planet has a war on
us(Blacks,Nubian)people. The New World Order is in full gear,the end of
the devil rule is up.The Sun cycle is here and it's time for the true and
living Gods raise up.We always put our trust and faith in these evil
people(whites) and look what happens.Time and time again. The Murder of
Kenneth Walker is just another example of what they have the power to do
at any giving time. And they will continue to do it if we don't stand up
and put a stop to this. Rev.18:5-7 says God is going to reward them evil
beings. Their time is up and our time is now.We are not going to stand
around and let the so called Law enforcement to continue to kill our
brothers and sisters. It must and will stop. To the Walker family, I'm
riding with you and feel your pain. As a Nubian(black)man in America
(which by right is our land) I'm faced with the same concern everytime I
see a police car. I was locked up and detained once for tresspassing. They
stripped searched me,made me get naked,made comments and then put enough
chains and cuffs around me you would think I just killed someone. All for
tresspassing.America we have to open our eyes and see what's going on.
They are trying in a subtle way to bring back slavery.Just in a more
modern way. Wake up people. The Hour glass is almost empty
I understand that the deputy might have had reason to believe that he was
going to be attacked and responded. The reason for the "attack" could have
been as simple as Mr. Walker stumbling as he got out of the car. The
deputy, already keyed up because of the "Intelligence" they received
trigger finger twitched.
Awful and shouldn't have happened and wouldn't have except for the war on
drugs.
I feel that Mr. Walker is a victim of the war on drugs. In the drug war,
I, tend to lean to the side that says let Darwins theory work
But all of this is pure speculation till the official report comes out
along with the evidence
A Concerned Black American: Do you think extremist like yourself make the
world any better?
This is what I'm talking about: "they took off the white sheets and put on
blue uniforms. Took off the white knight symbol and put on a badge." You
are being the SAME RACIST that you are accusing whites of being. How are
you any different? Just because you're a "Concerned Black American"?
The most amazing thing is that all of us, black and white are explaining
our views, but the other side is incapable of seeing that. White writers
are saying, “stop all the black vs. white talk,” and we black people are
saying, “we don’t trust the police.” On top of that we both are saying,
“can’t we all get along and come to understandings.” Yah, right! This
proves that we are still not to that point of understanding. We’re not
paying attention to the roots of this devastating problem, the lack of
communication and understanding between the races. This is a forum for
grief and correspondence that will enable people to better understand
where each side is coming from and it is being used for argument purposes.
There are fraternity brothers of Kenneth B. Walker writing on this site
and if you pay attention they’re not stressing about revolution, taking up
arms, or division of the populous. They’re maturity and reserve is
actually commendable. This is a sign as to how Kenneth might view it,
through the eyes of his brothers. We should all make our protest of police
brutality known, but foremost, follow the lead generated by Kenneth’s
fraternity brothers.
When is it going to STOP being about race. None of you know what was going
through the Deputy's head, known of you even know what you would do in the
situation. Its just easier for you to say that its about race because that
way you feel better and you feel as though you are actually doing
something. Yes, it is a tragedy! But I feel bad for the Deputy as well. As
none of you probably know, he was placed on suicide watch because of the
events of that night. I AM STANDING UP FOR OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT. And I am
proud of what they do and what they stand for!!!
Determined2:
I understand what you are saying. I live next to a cop. When I have tried
to converse with my neighbor I am always ordered - this, ordered-that. He
doesn’t converse he issues demands. He talks - no boasts of "dropping 'em"
(I am assuming killing people he is chasing) He exhibits bizarre behavior;
lurking around, always wears shades. i suspect he broke the window in my
car because it was partially parked in front of his house - on the public
street for 2 days- another neighbor concurs.
but ya want to know what really bothers me? I have kids. This police
officer that is supposed to operate under the motto/promise "TO PROTECT
AND SERVE" has a gun and boasts about killing people; he lives next door
to me and my family, with his guns....that’s what bothers me. i have
spoken to many police people, please take no offence (none is meant) but i
have to say that allot of the police folk seem be the same way; driven on
their own adrenaline, making judgment everywhere they go.
what kind of government would I have? Well obvious I would want a utopia.
Since that doesn’t seem to be an option I’m not sure how i can respond to
your question. I know I love my country and would die for the ideal of
freedom. I know I hate the indecencies that we commit against one another
- i also know that any change starts in one own two shoes. I don’t pretend
to know how to change the behavior or thought processes of adrenaline
driven officers -But i do know that I don’t want them pointing a gun at me
or my family and its my opinion that if a person can not react
compassionately and reasonably then they probably shouldn’t be holding a
weapon.
Very true Bradybeard, I agree with most of what you said. I guess I am
still living in the age that my Dad was a Trooper. He retired in '94 and I
guess a lot can happen in the law enforcement community in that time. I do
remember that Daddy always hated his job and says that he is glad he got
out before the "Drug War" really started. Please forgive any negative
comments I have made. I guess it all really comes down to the Person who
is in the blue uniform.
Concerned B.A. I never knew there were black KKK memebers. I guess the
African American cops are excempt. I do not feel like I am evil because of
the color of my skin, do you? Cause you sound about as evil as possible
with some of the slurs you are making to people who obviously care about
this whole case and want justice served to the guilty party. Please dont
hate us all for the indecencies of others. God bless
I am amazed as I read the comments on this page. Does anyone wonder why
the vehicle Mr. Walker was riding in was at that apartment that night? Why
did he and the other occupants of the vehicle go inside? Why was he out at
this time on a Wednesday night with friends instead of at home with his
wife and child?
I was not there that night, but I can't understand why this has become a
race issue. I am sure that if the four men in the Yukon had been white,
they would still have been followed if they had been fingered as
associates of known drug dealers. I don't know what happened to make the
deputy fire his weapon, but I am married to a law enforcement officer and
I can guarantee you that he does not take the power that is vested in him
lightly. Most officers don't. These officers have to leave their families
every night for a job that could take their life at any moment. To turn
this into a racial issue does not make the situation any better for Mr.
Walker's family. Do you think it makes their loss any easier to bear?
Racial issues continue in this country because of the fact that every time
something like this happens, it gets blown up as a racial issue. I
understand that Black history is important, but it can never actually be
history because African-Americans who have never in their lives been
slaves continue to hold the grudge of their ancestors. Is it really the
fault of caucasian people today that African-Americans were once slaves?
No. The only way to be a unified America is for EVERYONE to begin trying
to be unified. What would be the response of the African-American
community if Caucasians had groups such as the NAACP? There would be an
uproar. This issue needs to be viewed as what it is, a horrible, tragic
mistake. It is not a reflection of all of law enforcement in America as
some of you would like to believe. Racism goes both ways and I see a lot
more of it directed at Caucasians than African-Americans. Stop talking
about it and work at unification. All of the talking and ranting in the
world is not going to make it better. A change of attitude might.
A Concerned B.A.
Just for a point of clarification. If you are claim ancestry from African
Slaves in Amerika, you most likely are NOT Nubian. You are also most
likely NOT Bantu, Xhosa nor Kushite. You (as well as myself) are most
likely from either the Songhai, Benin, Mali or Ghana regions.
I relish my African encestry also.
As I posted earlier, just because you share the same color of skin with
someone does not mean that their minds are fresh and clear with the spirit
of Godliness. Just because someone is a different color than you does not
mean that they are aiming for your distruction. Paranoia is a bitch man!
There are plenty of men that look like 'brothers' that have the spirit of
devils. Devils come in all colors and shades.
Keep your mind's eye open and see beyond the mask that we all wear.
The hour glass truly is almost empty. Are you 5%?
Concerned African American:
You speak what I have felt and never understood for years...and what many
others feel! Thank you and God bless!
you act like the informant couldn't have been wrong. All of those men have
professional jobs that was in that car. The informant could have made a
mistake. Also, police officers shouldn't make accidents like that. I see
if the officer was in a scuffle with the victim and the gun accidently
went off. What's the point of going to training to learn how to aim and
shoot then? I am not speaking about all officers because there are a lot
of good officers but there are a hell of a lot bad ones too. Not saying
that the sheriff deputy who shoot Kenneth is a bad officer but mistakes
like that shouldn't have happen. If you read more, a lot of innocent
people are getting killed behind these so called ACCIDENTS made by the
police. If the resolution behind this is more training then that is what
they need to do. Need I remind you that he shot at him twice. NO ACCIDENT!
(Frustrated in Columbus) Just because people fear the police doesn't mean
they have something to hide. My brother is a soldier in the military and a
good citzen who has never got in trouble with the law and he dreads
getting pulled over by the wrong officer because of things that have
happened in the past and is still happening today. Determined2, you wrote
that he thought he had a gun but it states that he just couldn't see his
hand. If and I repeat, IF any of those guys had any dealings with drugs,
those that suppose to justify anyone getting killed. Note: YOU CAN'T SELL
DRUGS IF NO ONE BUYS IT. If people did there jobs as parents, teachers,
counselors, and etc, our children will say no to drugs. The War on Drugs
ain't going to be resolved over night and killing innocent people won't
solve nothing either. Meditate on that!
For all of those that think that if the person who was shot was a white
guy, then the national news would have gotten ahold of it a lot sooner,
let me tell you a little story. A white male went to Athens, GA to visit
an african-american male that he went to high school with. The two went
out to one of the night clubs in downtown Athens the Saturday night of his
visit. The majority of the people at this particular club just happen to
be african-american and later that night the white guy was shot and killed
with a crowd of about 100 people outside. NONE of those people came
forward as a witness to the murder. I the specifics around this shooting
because there was not any other media coverage on the investigation. I
think my point is made.
Concern A.M., are you from the south? Even though we (blacks) aren't
slaves and whites aren't slavemasters, there is still a lot of prejudice
in both races. When I was seven years old, my best friend was white. Her
parents and grandmother was nice (or at least tolerable) but her
grandfather was cruel. She invited me to her grandparent's house to play.
We were on the patio in the back coloring in books. Her grandfather came
out there and put his cigarette out in my coloring book. Lit another and
sat the match in my book. He didn't say a word but I knew he didn't like
me because of my race. I asked my friend why did he do that and she said
he don't like black people but her grandmother said it was ok for me to
come over. Slavery died but not prejudicy. The death of Kenneth may not
have been because of race. A TRAINED deputy killed a innocent man. If he
wasn't innocent from the drug crimes, he still was innocent from death.
Meaning he shouldn't have been killed! By ACCIDENT OR ANY MEANS! Chances
are those officers involved trained for this situation and mistakes like
that shouldn't have happen. That Deputy was a coward with a gun.
That doesn't that make it right, Proud? We all should come together and
help each other. Those people will live with that on there conscience
forever. It is starting to become a race issue now. It should only be
about this:
How could a TRAINDED officer ACCIDENTLY shoot at someone TWICE!
The first shot should have scared Kenneth enough. Why shoot again!
Proud, the NAACP was founded to help black people. What race are you?
Blacks wouldn't have a lot of things if it hadn't been for groups such as
the NAACP. Whites have just as much rights to start a group like that.
Whites invented welfare to help their people. Blacks invented NAACP to
help theirs. You can't work at unification if you ignore the issues.
correction: concern A.A. not A.M. My B!
I knew Kenny Walker very intimately. He was supposed to visit me in
Chicago this summer. Concerned African american you and the other two mis
-informed Columbusites have no idea about why issues are still in Black
and White. I happen to have Jewish friends who will not buy a Mercedes
Benz to this day. Oh by the way how about the license plates " Hell no I
wont'forget?" In other words, discretion was definitely not used here.
What amazes me the most about this story is everyone is so concerned as to
why Mr. Walker was at a drug apartment or why he was out on a Wednesday
night? This is a sad country when a man has lost his life and these are
the first things we think about or focus on. It does not matter if Mr.
Walker was the biggest drug dealer in Columbus GA. When did it become
legal to shoot someone in the head twice for that? When did it become
illegal to leave your house on a Wednesday night because you have a wife
and child? Just as there are people that leave their houses on Monday to
watch Monday Night Football there are people that socialize on Wednesday
nights. I hear married people with children each Wednesday talking about
going to happy hour or eat out with friends. I really do not think what
happened before the SUV was stopped on Interstate 185 is as IMPORTANT as
why a man was shot in the head. I think we are all missing the point. I
happen to know there were at least 15 Law Enforcement Officers on that
scene when the vehicle stopped. They were boxed in from the front, side
and rear of the vehicle. The tag number was not even called in. My thing
is if you have 15 officers trying to pull 4 men out of a vehicle with the
weapons already pointing to their heads you are asking for accidents to
happen. Why not get each person to exit the vehicle with hands in the air
one by one? There were enough officers on that scene to handle these 4
men. You hear rumors that the deputy tripped and the gun went off. You
hear rumors that the deputy was returning to work from having a heart
attack and should not have been on the scene. If any of these things are
true we just need the Sheriff, GBI and FBI to just tell the truth.
Looks like the "old south" is alive and well.
Monica, some guns automatically discharge more than once. The people in
the SUV might be professionals, but that does not mean they are not
involved with drugs. I am sorry for the ignorance of your friend's
grandfather. NO child should ever be scorned like that. I think if a lot
of parents would think about what they say about other races, their
children would not become racists themselves. Parents should teach their
children to be tolerant. Chihldren are taught hatred by relatives, their
environment, and experience. They are like little sponges. If you go
around calling African Americans the N word, chances are your kids will
too/same thing with the C word being used to describe whites in an African
American household. Both names are wrong and children should not hear them
even if their parents are ignorant and full of hate. The changes have to
start with our children. It is probably too late for some of us, but there
is hope for unity in them. No, Mr. Walker should not have died-this is a
tragedy. And, THERE WOULD BE NO DRUGS TO BUY IF NO ONE SOLD THEM. BTW, I
am a teacher. I am white. All of my students are black. I love all of
them. I teach them as much about their heritage as a white person can. I
tell them about the wrongs that were done to their people so many years
ago. I try to teach them what is right, but they go home and have
negativity thrown at them. I have been called a cracker by older children
in the school and yes, it hurt. It hurt, because I care about them. I do
not let them call each other the N word. They are not one of those and
they will not be calling themselves that. NO ONE should call them that for
any reason. I have had seniors mouth off to me. It seems that no one is
teaching these kids to respect white people in this school. That is just
my opinion. I want respect because I am a teacher and an adult, not
because I am white. I also know that there are many white parents who do
not teach their kids to respect adults of any race. I think that there is
sorriness lurking in all races. There are some good people and some bad
people in all of them. It is just human nature in some cases.
This will be my last posting on this subject. I am glad that I got to
share my viewpoints. Race relations are on my mind a lot working in the
school I am in. I have gained insight into the minds of those of you still
hurting from things done generations ago. I hope the truth will come out
and that a resolution will be made quickly in this case. Thank you all for
the honesty and I wish you all Godspeed.
spn
I agree with you respons to concerned African American
last time i read about the devil the creature was said to be the 2nd most
beautiful and powerful thing in the universe cast down from heaven for
given the man a challenge. Demons do indeed come in all shapes, colors,
and sizes; but i believe demons are mostly made inside a mans mind and
heart. It could be said that demons are a perpetuation of a persons evil
side.
I have read all the opinions about this senseless shooting, however, I
must add my view and that is there is so much of a tendancy for to
proclaimthat this another driving while BLACK situation, and totally
ingore the circumstances that led up to Brother Walker being shot in the
first place. Black "LET US NOT IGNORE THE CAUSE" children are being shot
and killed in our neighbor- hoods as gangs and drug groups shoot at each
other. "LET US NOT IGNORE THE CAUSE" That was such a touching picture of
Brother Walker this his wife and child...................but Why wasn't he
at home with his family? I can easily see that this WWHITE Policeman was
obviously SCARE and maybe even nervous. WHy police training allows an
officer to pint a weapon directly at someone whose hands are in open view
I will never understand. Even a person with hands hidden still has to make
some overt menacing movement before an officer is justified in pointing
and even shooting. But to be shot in the forehead is an indication that
somebody got scare and that somebody was holding an automatic weapon. P.G.
County suffered the loss of an officer whom while going in the door on a
drug raid stood up and was shot in the back of the head by his colleage.
There appear to be some narcotic involvement here. Bro Walker was
obviously in the wrong place or just hanging with the wrong people. I
don't side with the officer he was in the wrong profession and prone to
panic.
If justice prevail he will loose his job and the city will lose a law
suit.
But only the dope folk will insist on trying to make this travesty more
then what it is, and insite a riot
I EXTEND MY SARROW AND MY PRAYERS TO
MR.WALKER'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS.....
BUT, I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS
MATTER,
NO MATTER WHAT THEY CALL IT, RACIAL OR OTHER WISE....POLICE OFFICERS NEED
TO BE HELD RESPONSIABLE FOR THEIR CONDUCT THE SAME AS WE ARE,,, AND I DONT
THINK THIS CASE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE SWEPT UNDER ANY RUG,,,,,,,,,
THE TRUTH MUST BE KNOWN,,,, AND THE
GILTY PARTY MUST PAY FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE......AND INSTEAD OF
STONEWALLING THEY NEED TO EXPEDITE THIS
MATTER AND GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUTH.........OUR COUNTRY HAS TRIED TO
ELLIMINATE THE GOD'S TRUTH FOR TO LONG AND THAT IS WHAT HAS GOTTEN US TO
THIS
POINT WITH EVERYTHING.......
SINCERLY\
CONCERNED CITIZIN
I would just like to point out to all of the people who jave made
reference to the fact that all of the four gentlemen in the car were
"college educated" so they could not have been involved in drug
activity...Most of the world's most heinous criminals were "college
educated" and had good jobs. I also feel for the writer who said she was
so discriminated against as a child, that was wrong, but the only way we
can stop this kind racism is to not pass it on to our children. When your
children hear those types of stories recounted continuosly then it feeds
in to their own issues and starts a whole new generation of
misunderstanding. Someone wrote that "whites invented welfare to help
their people, blacks invented the NAACP to help theirs" Excuse me, but are
you even aware of the fact that their are more blacks recieving benefits
from the welfare system than there are whites? That statement really had
no merit. Yes, white people can start their own groups, but what would the
reaction of the African-American community be? I am positive that any such
group would be labled "White Supremist". I am just so amazed at the fact
that everyone seems blind to the fact that their is more racism shown from
the A.A. community than the white community. This generation of white
people are bending over backwards to be "politically correct" and to steer
clear of any and all racial stereotyping towards blacks but they cannot
escape the mistakes of those who came before them or the few who continue
to show prejudice. Just realize that there is just as much prejudice
coming from "our" own community. (African-Americans)
I`ve been watching this site now for a week. I finally have to respond. I
see every one is up in arms about the shooting death of Mr. Walker. Who
was shot twice by Deputy David Glisson. Everyone that is on this site
needs to look at the big picture!!!! I will call it the SYSTEM (better
known as the MAN back in the day). When a person of color is born in
America he is already behind in America. The only way to beat the so
called system is EDUCATION!!!!! EDUCATION!!!! EDUCATION!!!! When a Person
of color in his or her informative yrs is not in the books and doing extra
Curricular activites etc: Sports,chess team. They will fall behind
further. There is no time for hanging in the street corners!!! When you do
that you are falling behind!!! You need to put 100% effort towards
Education!!!! The system wants US not to think of EDUCATION!!! Not go to
school!!! This is not the 1940`s 50`s or 60`s. On this horrible nite the
system WON!!! We have 4 Males of Color out of society.Now3 will go to
prison 1 has passed away. I see on this site also that some people writing
in saying what happen prior to the shooting doesn`t matter you can be the
biggest drug dealer on and on!! It DOES MATTER!!!! ItS time to make a
change!!! It bothers me that people on here are talking about the shooting
and Deputy Glisson situation NO ONE has mentioned the out rage of drugs
being sold in a Apartment complex by Darrell Jackson and Thomas
Randall!!!!!!!! It seems like it is ok to sell crack cocain there? These 2
guys are part of the system!!!!! PEOPLE WHO KNOW THESE GUYS you are part
of the system too!!! For letting this situation happen!!!!! Not turning
them over to the Police on day 1!!! These 2 guys are poisoning the minds
of People of Color in this Community!!! THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR SELLING
DRUGS!!!!!! It is now time for People of Color to take responsibility for
their own Communities!!!! Time to clean up our Communities out there!!! I
know there are more Darrell Jackson`s and Thomas Randall`s in
communities all around the United States. How long will this go on? You
tell me? When I received this email on this story at 1st I thought it was
random Drug check gone bad. Not the case. This Apartment Comlpex that
Darrell Jackson and Thomas Randall were living in was being Staked Out.
For dealing DRUGS. I wasn`t born yesterday!!!! I`m sure this wasn`t the
1st time these 2 People in the system were selling drugs this day!!! The
man in the left rear passenger seat of the SUV is not on the up and up
either. His lawyer claims it was a DVD player being brought upstairs. Drug
dealers aren`t STUPID. Their not going to transport drugs in a bag by
itself!!! That’s not the 1st time this SUV has been to Darrell Jackson and
Thomas Randall Apartment either!!!!! What I`m getting at is that we are
focusing on the shooting itself and not the whole picture!!! Now if this
Yukon SUV was leaving the Parking lot of A Restaurant and was pulled over
then I would be up in arms and the police dropped a bag of coke in the SUV
but this is not the case. 1 Reader claimed that he knows married people
who go out in the middle of the week , go to happy hr and Monday Night
Football etc but they don`t stop by DRUG DEALER HOUSES on the their routes
to and from!!! People like Darrell Jackson and Thomas Randall are keeping
People of Color from coming up!!! Bring US Further down!!!!!! See if the
People of Color in this Community would have taken action on
Darrell Jackson and Thomas Randall from day 1 and all the other People of
the system like them. This day doesn`t happen!!!! People of Color its time
to wake up!!!! Lets stop pointing fingers and make a change make things
happen on our own!!!! We take people like Darrell Jackson and Thomas
Randall off the streets
We don`t need a Metro Narcotics Task Force or a Deputy David Glisson!!!!
I want to thank Darrell Jackson and Thomas Randall for making a Family of
color a widow and fatherless . Great JOB!!!! I`m sure the system is very
PROUD of you!!!!
People who are complaining about Police doing this doing that. Lets make a
change!!! In Remembering Kenneth Walker how many of his Frat Brothers will
want to make a huge sacrifice and quit there jobs and become police
officers in their Community. Work their way up the chain of command to etc
: Capt.,LT so on. I`m sure you Frat Brothers are very professional. Lets
stop complaining and change the System. Now is a GOOD TIME!!!!!
TO MRS WALKER I`M VERY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND YOU HAVE MY
SINCERE CONDOLENCES
I know this is very harsh and hard to swallow but so is reality!!HOPE THIS
IS A WAKEUP CALL for PEOPLE OF COLORACROSS AMERICA!!!!
Wake up call and Concerned A.A.,
Thank you for so intelligently expressing what many are feeling. I agree
with you 100%
What can we do to put these police officers to justice?
Well Tiffany...the point of an INVESTIGATION is to decide that!!!!
I don't care what you say and how much justification you want to give. But
being shot in the head is not called for, regardless of if you the biggest
drug dealer or getting pulled over for a damn speeding ticket. Police
officers are trained to take other precaustions before drawing their guns
on any US CITIZEN. So remember that! You know I was sitting here at my
desk when I got the email that has been circulating about Mr. Walker. This
is yet another sad story that sounds oh to familiar in today's society.
The bottom line is, and this goes to "WAKE UP CALL"....people ARE
educating themselves. Mr. Walker was an educated man, on top of devoting
himself to the community (slash) having a what would you call it and "ALL
AMERICAN FAMILY". Did it matter though? Not one bit. Yes, you are right to
know is to be educated and also to VOTE. We need to understand how
imporatant it is to not elect people like Glisson and the so called
Sheriff of this town into any type of political office. We as African
Americans need to put our votes in and make sure they count. These "good
old boys" need not have power or even have the chance to be able to make
major choices for the community. Role models my behind, they need to be
where they really want to be and that is behind a white robe. So
regardless of what the situation was as far as Mr. Walker and the other
three getting pulled over, being shot in the head was a measure that was
taken to the extreme and was not needed. We all know why he got shot and
the boy who shot him (I call him a boy, because he is not a man) knew why
he shot him. This has got to stop. We need to get more African Americans
running for these official officies so these types of people are not able
to hold these types of positions. So yes EDUCATION is a factor, but so is
VOTING!
My prayers go out to the family of Mr. Walker. I can only imagine the type
of pain your are going through! God will seek justice for those
individuals, whether it be here on earth or the spirit!
PeAeC
Again...IT WILL NEVER END UNTIL WE VOTE THEM OUT:
Do you have PROOF the "boy" shot Mr. Walker on purpose? Do you? Do you
know something no one else does? Do you have information that the Columbus
law enforcement, the GBI, and the FBI don't have?
Some how I don't think so....
Why was his gun drawn if they had not weapons? Because in order for anyone
to get shot a gun had to be drawn out...so my question is why was a gun
out and pointed at someone's head if they were all lying on the ground? Oh
and do you work for the FBI? Because yes I am a federal government
official and work here in the Pentagon and do have access to this
information and can get access to anymore information....for your
information, since you ASKED!
Oh and just one more thing "FRUSTRATED IN COLUMBUS". Why are they not
releasing the video tape of the young men being pulled over?
Interesting...are they trying to modify it? Perhaps since you have been up
here all day you can explain that to everyone here.....let me know once
you do? Since the "boy" didn't shot him and he is so innocent...or at
least you think he is? Just wondering but help my inquire and let me
know...Thanx
It Will Never End Until We Vote Them Out:
FYI: I didn't say whether or not I think he's innocent. Unlike most
people, I'm WAITING for the investigation results to be released before I
form that opinion. And why should I let you know anything? Since YOU work
for the Pentagon and have access to ANY information, then you should be
able to answer everyone's questions and there would be no point in this
community message board. You could solve everyone's problems if you have
all the proof!
I simply said I have access to getting the information....I never said I
could solve the case! There is no sense in arguing with each other...I am
just as frustrated as you are if not MORE! But for the most part I believe
the story is pretty clear, yes we can sit back and wait for the results to
land on paper....but for the most part I am pretty sure the story will be
no different than the one that has already generated. Its is what it is,
we just have to wait for their justification as to why it happened. Never
the less, I don't wait on anyone to make a change....I take a stand. If I
did I wouldn't be where I am at today. So you can wait, while you are
doing that I will come back and check on you and let you know how I am
trying to make a difference in society. Take care!
I am amazed that "It will never end until we vote them out" has the nerve
to claim that he/she works for the federal government, and also claims to
have access to this official CONFIDENTIAL information. As is common
practice, the federal government can find out by computer who is writing
what, so as a federal officer, I would like to inform this person that if
you do work for the federal government you won't for long and if you don't
you will probably be charged with impersonating a government official.
Isn't all of this supposed to be about having an opinion? When did yours
become the only right one? You ask was there any reason for this officer
to have a gun out? Yes. An informant had told the metro unti that the men
in this car were armed. No this does not excuse what happened, but there
was a reason for these officers to have their weapons ready.
Also, it is interesting that you are so eager to share "Pentagon"information.
I wonder what your boss would think of that?
Frustrated in Columbus:
I only asked if you knew why the gun was pointed to his head only because
you seem so sure he didn't shoot him? I thought you knew something we all
didn't? Whether Glisson shot him or another officer that was there that
night. I would like to know the justification of the guns being pointed to
someone's head when they were all CLEARLY laying on the ground in full
sight? Then I would like to know why wasn't there another measure taken if
Mr. Walker did seem like he was putting or moving his hands in a location
to where the officers did not see him? Why not draw the night stick, or
the mase? Why did he have to be shot to DEATH? Was Mr. Walkers actions
that serious when he moved his arm or his so called fingers? So yeah I am
waiting to hear their justification on that....honestly it still doesn't
matter. The actions that the officers took was not that serious and could
have been handled in a different way. Four guys in Columbus, GA still
could have walked away with their lives.
How do you know that all of the men were CLEARLY lying on the ground in
plain sight? Were you there? It has been said that Mr. Walker refused to
lie on the ground or show both of his hands.
Disguisted:
Who said I was sharing information? Second, the reason for me mentioning I
work in the Pentagon is to let you know that the information can be easily
generated considering I am located in an offical building. There are many
agencies here and sources that are able to get the information. Now if I
were to share who, what, when, where, and why that would be another issue.
But I didn't share any of that. So be easy with your threats and your
judgement calls.
Yes, they did have a reason to have their guns drawn for a brief moment.
But after realizing that these men had none of the sort on them....why
weren't they held back? If you get pulled over and you are approached by
an officer who has a gun, after the officer clearly has inspected your
vehicle and the situation for what it is...why would he or she even
continue to draw his gun on you? Makes no sense. I just do not understand
why man had loose his life because of an assumption? Maybe it would be
different if it were you huh? ....
Truth seeker:
Let the public see the video? AGAIN where is the VIDEO and why is it being
held?....
I read of the story on Friday, February, 6, 2004. I immediately forwarded
to others that I knew. It is absolutely a very sad and unfortunately,
familiar case in in this day and age. The picture of the family on the web
make yo
We have formatted the story and put it on AFRA News. It is front page at the AFRA website right now.
The AFRA webmaster.