Why Did Police Shoot Louisville’s Legend David McAtee Outside Of His Own Store Without A Cause?
Instagram Reading Time: 4 minutes
David McAtee, a legend in Louisville died after being shot by police outside of the restaurant that he owns. The officers that were involved in the shooting did not have their body cameras on at the time. This led to the chief of police to be fired after mishandling the situation and killing an unarmed black man in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.
In a video circulating Twitter, you can hear several gunshots being fired as people run for cover to protect themselves. McAtee’s sister maintains that he was not a part of the protests but instead there for something completely unrelated. Several reports attest that McAtee was shielding his niece from gunfire at the time of his death.
David McAtee’s Death Was Not Filmed On Police’s Body Cameras
McAtee was well-known in his community for being the king of barbecue. He owned YaYa’s barbecue, a popular food stand that he would set up next to Dino’s Market. When police officers were sent to clear a large crowd of protesters outside of Dino’s market, they were allegedly fired upon. They returned the gunfire killing McAtee. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced that the two officers who were involved in the death od McAtee did not have their body cameras activated at the time of the shooting. This was a direct violation of the policy of the Lousiville police department. He said “That is completely unacceptable and there is no excuse… We will review the entire incident to determine if there are any other policy violations that occurred.” He added, “I assure you we will follow up and there will be disciplined for failing to utilize our cameras.”
Body cameras must be activated at all times that officers are on duty. In this instance, another black life was taken at the hands of two police officers who did not even follow the rules. The two officers were placed on administrative leave. The despairing thing is McAtee was always friendly with officers and gave them free meals during their shifts. He never showed any animosity towards them and supported their line of work. He also donated food and gave free meals to those in need not even caring about the money, but demonstrating kindness and a passion for helping others.
SEE ALSO: WHITE STORE OWNER SHOOTS BLACK PROTESTER — FREED WITH NO CHARGE [VIDEO]
This Is The Second Shooting That Has Taken Place During A Protest
Last week, seven people were shot during a protest in Louisville as people were demanding justice for Breonna Taylor. The police force maintains that none of the seven people shot were at the hands of police. Taylor was a black woman who was shot and killed after police searched her home for narcotics, none of which they found. She was shot eight times as the essentially barged into her home, waking her and mercilessly killing her. People gathered outside of the scene of the shooting to mourn the loss of McAtee and call for justice. Because both McAtee and Taylor did not deserve to die at the hands of police.
The community gathered at the scene where McAtee was shot to mourn the huge loss of a beloved figure and pay their respects. It is yet another incident that has sparked nationwide outrage because the black community continues to experience unlawful killings. The community has also called for the release of local crime center videos as they demand justice for this heinous killing.
Hundreds of people took to the streets to say his name and honor his memory. They chanted “David McAtee” throughout the entire walk.
The Officers Involved Are White
This comes after Katie Crews, one of two officers involved in the shooting posted a Facebook status mocking protesters. Crews made a post responding to a photo of a woman handing a flower to a police officer with the comment “I hope the pepper balls that she got lit up with a little later on hurt.” The other officer Austin Allen has remained mum on the subject. Both officers are white which is yet another instance of a killing that adds more fuel to the fire of people fighting for justice.
SEE ALSO: WHY FLOYD MAYWEATHER IS PAYING FOR GEORGE FLOYD’S MULTIPLE FUNERALS ALL OVER AMERICA
People are fighting for justice exactly for this reason, to live in a world without fear or police brutality, to prevent incidents like this from happening again and educating the world about racism.
