In the wake of the police shooting of Stephon Clark in Sacramento, California, dozens of protesters have taken to the streets. The incident has received national attention because Clark was a young black man shot by two white police officers. Al Sharpton delivered a stirring eulogy at Clark’s funeral, calling on action to be taken in efforts to protect the black community from what is perceived as police brutality.
Meanwhile, protesters have taken to blocking roads in Sacramento, causing gridlock for motorists. When Sacramento sheriff’s cruisers tried driving down the street, protesters surrounded the vehicles, impeding their flow of traffic. A law enforcement officer can be heard on the loudspeaker instructing the crowd to back away from his car. Protesters continued gathering around the two vehicles, even walking in front of them.
Bystanders captured video of the incident, which was posted to social media. In the video, a woman can be seen ignoring the order to move away from the vehicles. She has since been identified as 61-year-old activist Wanda Cleveland, who was hospitalized with minor injuries. In a statement to news media, Cleveland claimed that the sheriff SUV that struck her had intentionally sped up upon seeing her in the road. She referred to the incident as a hit and run.
Unruly protesters often attempt to provoke police officers into altercations. In doing so, it gives social justice warriors plenty of footage to add to their narrative. When these law enforcement vehicles made their way down the road, the crowd was shouting and cursing. The scene looked more like a riot than a peaceful protest. In fact, police have been heavily tasked with responding to situations where protesters are blocking roads and even businesses. Safety risks for both citizens and law enforcement officers are significantly increased during gatherings addressing controversial topics like police shootings. Blocking roads seems to be the go-to move for protesters.
While I believe it’s necessary for a full investigation into the shooting of Stephon Clark, it troubles me to see so-called activists breaking the law this way. Peaceably protesting does not equal putting lives in jeopardy. Stopping innocent motorists from getting to their destinations can negatively impact countless more lives. Verbally attacking law enforcement officers while they’re doing their jobs detracts from the very message activists are trying to convey. Luckily, the elderly woman who was struck received only minor injuries.
While I’m not usually one to victim blame, Wanda Cleveland should not have involved herself in such a dangerous situation. I haven’t been able to view a completely clear copy of the video, but from what I observed it appeared that Cleveland moved from standing on the side to directly in the path of a moving police SUV. Video footage also shows many others deliberately jumping in front of the lead vehicle with recording devices, shouting for the law enforcement officers to stop. Obstructing the flow of traffic is unlawful in every state. So is obstructing justice.
The atmosphere was incredibly hostile, with every indication that the law enforcement officers faced a very real threat had they stopped their vehicles.
