Another heartfelt and heartbreaking piece, my brother. I’ve been wondering about the factors involved in a police officer’s “split-second” decision. I’m willing to bet fear is a major factor.

I can understand why they’d be afraid. It’s a dangerous job. Not everyone they encounter is innocent. But I believe the police are afraid of Black people. Especially white police.

So it’s especially disturbing when a Black officer appears to have internalized that fear when he encounters a 12-year-old African American child.

You’ve done a characteristically awesome job of describing why Black Americans remain distrustful of police. Thank you for writing this.