“Crying for mercy”

Latest

Memorial in the Albuquerque foothills for James Boyd who was murdered by police.  Photo Meta Hirschl
Memorial in the Albuquerque foothills for James Boyd who was murdered by police.
Photo Meta Hirschl

“I watched firsthand, standing toward the front of a crowd of perhaps a hundred unarmed protesters on the edge of Civic Plaza late Sunday night, as we were almost completely surrounded by literally an entire police force prepared not for a group of dissatisfied citizens but for war. And that is not an exaggeration. There were hundreds of armed police, all with riot shields, batons, gas masks and guns, in row upon row upon row. The smell of tear gas was everywhere, stinging everyone’s eyes and throats; and on every side but directly behind us, I could see police with their faces hidden; machine guns or assault rifles in their hands; police cars; flashing lights; and armored vehicles―the kind you’d typically see in Iraq or Afghanistan.” ~by Mike Smith, excerpted from his article, APD Ad Absurdum, in alibi.com
“Like many of us in Albuquerque, I was horrified, again, at the APD shooting of another citizen. This time, it was captured on video which I first saw on national TV. I was initially embarrassed that Albuquerque was in the news for this institutional murder, but then I watched the video. I was heart broken as I watched and heard [the now murdered] James clearly say, “We have an agreement . . . don’t worry about safety. I’m not going to harm you.”  Then a voice says, “Do it” and the shots ring out. Ralph DiPalma, the minister who worked with James, known as Abba, said at his vigil: “That’s where he ended up: Crying for mercy, crying for mercy . . . And he didn’t get it.” ~Meta Chaya Hirschl

Click here to read the rest of the article.

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Pregnant Teen Died: Seeks Care in Three Texas Emergency Rooms

Nevaeh Crain cried in pain, too weak to walk, blood staining her thighs. Vomiting and feverish at her baby shower, the teen went to two different emergency rooms, returning home, worse than before. Pregnant women have become untouchables.

No, Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable

Despite politicians' claims to the contrary, immigration is not making housing unaffordable. In fact, immigration can be part of the solution.

Make Your Vote Count 

This 2024 election is gaining on us and the pressure to get to the ballot box is intense and...

Michigan’s Prescient Lesson: Vote While You Still Can!!! 

Michigan's non-elected Emergency Manager dictatorship made Flint's water crisis possible. Pay attention to the danger of losing our Democratic rights as we’ve known them in this election. Vote while you still can!

US Doctors Tell Biden, Harris They ‘Witnessed Crimes Beyond Comprehension’ in Gaza

US doctors who visited Gaza tell Biden, Harris they've never seen such horrific injuries, on such a massive scale, with so few resources, that our bombs are cutting down women and children, and that a ceasefire must be imposed.

More from the People's Tribune