In April 2015 South Carolina police officer Michael Slager shot and killed a very much unarmed black motorist, Walter Scott, after he fled an arrest at a traffic stop.
Today, Michael has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a federal judge, ruling the former police officers actions as second-degree murder. Experts say that if it wasn't for the mobile phone video recording that was taken by a bystander, these charges against Michael would have never been in place, nor would his death have become a viral movement that sparked protests and awareness on the number of black men whose lives have been taken by white officers.
Global News reports that Walter's family tearfully admitted to forgiving Michael for his actions while in court. Michael said he was grateful for their forgiveness adding: "This tragic event that occurred in seconds has changed the lives of everyone involved. With my actions that day, Walter Scott is no longer with his family, and I am responsible for that.”
The Summer Knights rapper, Joey Badass, is one of many to share their thoughts on the recent ruling. He captions a photo of the news alert saying: "As much as this feels like progress I wouldn’t wish 20 years on my worst enemy BUT... if ya can’t do the time, don’t do the crime 🤷🏿♂️ RIP Walter Scott. #Blackpeoplearenottargetpractice."
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