I have been hesitant to post on this thread or about this case because no one is going to like what I have to say.
The cop was wrong. He appears, from all tangible evidence, to have way over reacted. He should have some sort of consequence (besides being fired from being a cop and never hired as a cop again...hopefully) ... but not be found guilty of murder. I'm no legal analyst so I won't suggest what he should be guilty of...but not murder.
The victim behaved wrongly but shouldn't have been shot to doll rags for it. Was he impaired in some way that caused his mistake? Marijuana? I think that came up in the trial. Speculate away but here is what I know. When in CCW classes you are taught how to behave and what to do in the event of an encounter with law enforcement. Number 1 rule - keep your hands on the wheel (or visible) and inform the cop you have a weapon. Interrupt him if you have to. Do not make a move until the whereabouts of that weapon is clear and it is visible to the cop. I have been stopped three times in road blocks. Once my weapon was under the seat. The other two it was in my waistband holster in the small of my back. In the first instance I told him and he had me get out of the vehicle. He secured the weapon and carried out his job and sent me on my way. In the other two he had me get out and lift my shirt to reveal the weapon and watched me take the wallet out of my right hand back pocket. It might seem like a lot of trouble but I don't want their job nor do I want to be a victim of misunderstood circumstances.
All that being said, there is absolutely a difference in how a person of color is treated in this situation and how someone who looks like me is treated. That is the thing here that needs to change and I don't have a magical answer for that. I don't think this Hispanic cop was racist but i think he was/is guilty of having the same fear that even many black folks have...and that is a fear of black men, especially young black men who might dress and behave a certain way. Not saying this is how Castile dressed/behaved but I would venture that that fear in Yanez ultimately lead to Castile's death.
The punishment for the cop should take into account that he probably did everything he could to cover his backside after this tragic situation unfolded.
Finally, this case is far too messy for the NRA or GOA to get involved in.
You two are disgusting big gov't racist socialist pigs.
