Police Shootings

We have seen lately a few police shootings of black individuals that has infuriated the black community.  Are these officers justified in discharging their firearm?  In Columbus Ohio, it appears the young female was holding a knife and appeared to be in the process of stabbing another black female.  The officer involved was heard yelling at the female to drop the knife, she did not and to protect the potential victim the officer fired his weapon.  Seems logical to me, although he could have waited to see how many times this individual would stab the other person.  Then again why did he not attempt to physically disarm the female from possessing the knife?  So, even if the officer got stabbed and died, no big deal.  Other officers were on the scene and they could have shot the female.   Although, stabbing a police officer or even killing one may not be justified in using deadly force regardless of the color of the officer.  

We know Daunte Wright was shot by mistake when the officer thought she was using her Taser and not her firearm.  But, that is a decision the jury will have to decide.  Although, since he had a warrant on him for possession of a firearm, one would think he was trying to get back into his vehicle to retrieve another firearm since it was reported his bail was revoked for a 2^nd possession of a firearm and was facing nearly 20 years in prison. 

The shooting of the 12 year old child at 2:30 am in the morning when the video shows he was holding a firearm behind his back is another interesting incident.  Aside from the fact what was a 12 year old out this late is another story?  But the officer saw the firearm in the youth’s possession behind his back as his body camera showed and told the child to drop the weapon.  Now we must keep in mind the officers responded to a report of at least 8 gunshots being heard in the area.  So, the computer in the officer’s brain must analyze all this information while giving a foot chase to the youth with the firearm.  When the youth stopped and the officer told him to drop the weapon is where training comes in.  A person with a weapon that makes a sudden move, an officer has only a fraction of a second to make a decision.  How much time is that?  Just stand up and put your hand behind your back pretending you are in possession of a firearm and then whip your hand out in front pointing the firearm at the officer.  You will see how quick an officer has to make that decision.  It comes down to shoot or be shot.  The officer made the correct decision even though the movement by the youth was probably done to drop the firearm behind the fence.  All the officer saw was the movement and he had to make the decision.  If the youth just dropped the weapon from his hand without a sudden move, he would be alive today.