Police union chief decries protests over shootings of unarmed black men

Philly Inquirer ^ | 12-17-2014 | Mike Newall

[Citizen Zed]

"As a society," he said, "we have to soon decide between the rule of law and due process or a group of inspired lynch mobs."

Though not by name, he defended the two patrol officers who shot and killed Brandon Tate-Brown, a 26-year-old African American parolee who police say struggled with the officers and reached for a gun during a Mayfair traffic stop early Monday.

"When our officers are confronted by a convicted, violent felon who should not be out of prison - who is in possession of a stolen, loaded firearm - what else do you want us to do?" he said. "We're not going to call a timeout. We're not going to call a news hotline."

He spoke in disgust about protesters who want to "stir up trouble."

"Ask yourself a question," he said to the packed union hall. "Where were the protesters at any of the almost daily shootings and killings in Philadelphia?"

Just a few days ago, he said, a 13-year-old was shot in Wissinoming.

"No protesters at the location," he said.

"We are sick and tired of people who want to protest for the sake of protesting, he said afterward. "And when it comes time somebody is victimized in their own community - when someone is shot or robbed or killed - they don't step up and cooperate with police."

[Citizen Zed]

He's the only union leader I have to agree with.

[drypowder]

"As a society," he said, "we have to soon decide between the rule of law and due process or a group of inspired lynch mobs."

he should direct that comment to DC.

[dasboot]

There are a lot of others. This is rare press for one. The media paint perception using both omission and hyperbole.

[sport]

"We are sick and tired of people who want to protest for the sake of protesting,...

They are not protesting for the sake of protesting. They are "protesting" because they are being paid to "protest". Either by George Soros or the Communist Party, maybe both.

[jsanders2001]

(to OP / author) Go into Chicago and see how many gangbangers you can find that are unarmed then get back to me...: )

[TigersEye]

"As a society," he said, "we have to soon decide between the rule of law and due process or a group of inspired lynch mobs."

Our society already decided that on Nov. 6th 2012.

[17th Miss Regt]

when someone is shot or robbed or killed - they don't step up and cooperate with police."

Well, snitches do get stitches...