Hello Curt Rude, We found something we think you might like. |
|
|
Ethel Rohan, author of ‘Out of Dublin’ on Curt Rude's writing. "Overall, great writing style. Reminds me of Rushdie: internal, emotionally complicated, and dualistic. Delivered with a sensitivity and awareness that is underrated. In one word his work is Awesome!"
So Koukou ends up in a parking lot. Other people are there. An officer with two years of experience fires numerous rounds into Kokou. He dies. The BCA arrives and said it appears like a 'good shoot'. The police ain't talking. Questions that should be answered by a competent Police Chief: Why body cams are not worn by Austin Police Officers. Why other officers didn't fire their weapons. Whether Kokou was allowed to shop before the fatal incident. Why the police retreated from the scene of the original confrontation only to reengage and use deadly force. Lets hope the police set the record straight. Stay safe this weekend.
Look, I have no axe to grind. I was a cop in a prior life. I have no regrets and have discovered a passion i.e. writing socially responsible stories. I'd encourage the reading of these pieces I have put together. I have discussed this shooting with law enforcement in Austin. I have talked and considered other view points. Let's tip-toe forward without insults and threats.
Here goes. The police did what Monty Python referred to as 'Run-Away'. They pulled out the S.I.R.T. team. Then the decision was made to have a couple of officers hang around the scene to keep an eye on things. Mr. Fiafonou decides the cops are gone and he needs to get some shopping in. This man, who was reported to have a large knife and was mentally ill, is allowed to wander to a place where people are. Question #2 Why wasn't he confronted before he got to the store to minimize threats to others?
Full discloser. I was a cop in a prior life. I never worked with, nor do I know, Zachary Gast.
Kokou is confronted by officers while threatening to do harm to others. This is according to police. He holes up in a residence. Police S.I.R.T. (Special Incident Response Team) responds, surround house and shoot projectiles into building. Apparently windows are smashed out. Kokou does not come out and after many hours the police decide to leave. Just leave. Never seen this before. The police did leave a couple of officers in the area to keep an eye on things. Actions speak louder than words. Did the police believe Kokou suddenly was cured of his mental issue and thus they could pull out? I mean if he ran out of the place and stuck a knife in somebody can you imagine the liability? Question #1 Why did they feel Kokou was no longer a threat?
I thank those of you who pointed out that Kokou was an immigrant from Togo. I got to thinking perhaps Kokou was merely in traffic with a machete because that is acceptable in Togo. I did a quick search and discovered Togo does not permit the carrying of machetes. A police officer noted Kokou was threatening others. He was tased and shot with foam bullets. In the winter, layers of clothing limit the effectiveness of these less than lethal rounds. This enabled Kokou to flee into a house. Family members have attributed some of this behavior to mental illness. Getting struck with a machete from a mentally ill subject in no way makes it less harmful. Cops shouldn't have to get assaulted.
From what I have heard a man was walking in traffic with what has been described as a machete. Citizens call the police and the individual is confronted. He manages to elude tasers, foam bullets and pepper spray. A different outcome would have occurred if he had only cooperated. Right? Even if running around with a knife isn't illegal, one should question how it was being carried. Was it held up? Citizens did call. Police responded because they must address these kinds of issues.
Police shoot man in Austin, MN.
With all due respect, lets consider what happened when his path crossed Officer Zachary Gast's.
So the world is in turmoil, it's cold out there. Do yourself a favor, read 'Never a Child'.
Deputy Paul Urhahu is running around in a uniform while horrible things are tiptoeing out of his mouth. The mouth is run by a brain. So he has one and it must contain a whole lot of scorn. Ask yourself, how would you like to be a black person stopped by this officer? To think . . . there were some who thought 'Brand of Justice' was fiction. Like a deputy told me. "There ain't a thing about your books made-up!"
Ever get the feeling Judge Adrian loves the law and not the victim? Power Corrupts and Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely.
Here's a reading suggestion. I wished I hadn't read it a thousand times already so I could read it again for the first time. Any guesses before ya hit the link below?
we lived without devices. Now we have to hope they are promoting positive change. One wonders if Ahmaud Arbery's Murders share this feeling.
Newer-better webpage under construction. Working out the details. Hope this meets the needs of all involved.
Caught in an Airport? The Bee Killer-Last Gargoyle- The Trip and One Virus One Gift are available for ninety-nine cents each on your device. Want to escape the world after hectic last minute X-mas shopping? The Bee Killer is available on audio book. Novel anyone? JusThis- Brand of Justice and Never a Child are available today!
Terrible. Daunte Wright lost his life. I get it. But officers have to take certain individuals into custody. End of story. In England bobbies are unarmed. Not sure what they'd do in this situation. Chase Mister Wright down and scream 'Stop! Your under an arrest. If you don't stop, I'll chase you again and holler stop, you're under an arrest.' But wait a tick. These officers couldn't let Daunte flee in a car because then everyone is in danger. Officer Potter made a terrible mistake here but I'd vote to acquit. Period. End of story. One good thing here is you have a realigned system eating it's own. At one time the Attorney General was always on the side of cops. Nauseating how attorneys play around in courtrooms acting all high and mighty though.
Remember, all the tidbits dropped in this read are factual. Bullying is discussed in this piece. He quit listening and watched them slide ...