Justin King

October 14, 2014

(TheAntiMedia) John Crawford was gunned down by Beavercreek Police officer Sean William while Crawford shopped in Wal-Mart. He was holding a BB gun from the store’s shelves and talking on the phone when he was ambushed and killed by who were responding to a bogus 911 call. During the one-sided gunfight, Beavercreek PD killed another innocent person who suffered a heart attack during the commotion.

Weeks of protests and occupations followed from citizens of all political beliefs, and the department has decided to do nothing. The killer won’t stand trial. He won’t be punished by the department. The caller who made the bogus call won’t be brought up on charges. They won’t even be reviewing the policies that led to the deaths of two innocent people.

Anonymous launched #OpJohnCrawford with the demands to correct the situation or face cyberattacks and real world protests. The first real world protest for the campaign is on October 25th at the Beavercreek Wal-Mart where Crawford was killed at 1pm. Through the organization’s Facebook page The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio called the operation,

“a very serious threat”

They then went on to ask their subscribers to

“Imagine what happens to our legal system if a mob could overrule the rule of law.”

Please do that. Imagine a legal system where the citizens could demand that killers be held accountable for their actions.

In the comments section of the post, the Fraternal Order’s posters let their feelings about anyone who questions their right to kill innocent people be known.

“Bring back the night stick and use it judiciously.”

And

“Justice / law enforcement … is best left in the hands of qualified individuals . In my opinion has zero place in civilian setting .”

In essence, the idea of civilian oversight of a department that is killing innocent civilians is just plain silly; time to beat them so they know their place.

There were some comments suggesting oversight is a good thing.

“What I’m hearing is not “mob” justice, but reasonable requests based on newly released facts to the public. I support our peace officers and the very dangerous job they do to protect the innocent. Unfortunately, this job comes with great responsibility, one of which requires making a split second decision. Misunderstandings and friendly fire happen, but this case seems to have too many unanswered misunderstandings and too few individuals being held responsible for basic errors which ended up with the death of an innocent man. All that is being asked for is justice to be upheld to avoid another tragedy. When protocol is breaks down in law enforcement settings, innocent people risk being killed. People unable to uphold the duties their job requires should be relieved of their duties.”

The Anti-Media went back to ask “ghost” what he thought of the comments by Ohio’s finest. The Anonymous activist said

“We are not a mob, we are citizens from around the world who are tired of cold blooded murders happening by police officials that keep going unpunished. We ask for justice and nothing less.” “Murder is murder no matter who commits it.”

The Fraternal Organization recently wrote an Op-Ed for the Toledo Blade praising police militarization, but there are some interesting tidbits of information in the article scattered amongst the “we want our big boy toys” attitude. Apparently, the FOP supports reviews after shooting, just not in Crawford’s case.

“For each of the infrequent occasions when a law enforcement officer is forced by deadly circumstances to shoot someone, there ought to be a review. A fair and thorough investigation protects everyone involved. But prejudgment hinders a fair review.”

I guess the requested policy review doesn’t fall under this statement. After all, it is a “very serious threat” and “mob rule.”

The standard propaganda is also disseminated about cops having such a dangerous job. They don’t. Your trash collector and pizza delivery driver have more dangerous jobs.

“We require officers to patrol dangerous and unpredictable terrain.”

Then, the writer calls Tasers “less-than-lethal.” Three years ago, a report showed that the “less-than-lethal” was lethal enough to have killed more than 500 people. If you don’t understand the equipment, you shouldn’t use it.

It’s plain to see that the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio stands firmly behind violent police departments and letting Sean Williams go unpunished. The organization gains political power by endorsing candidates for state offices that will protect officers. Since the organization stands behind those that gun down unsuspecting shoppers, we can only assume that those candidates they endorse are of the same mindset.

Candidates publicly endorsed by the organization:

Sharon Kennedy for Ohio Supreme Court (former cop and worked in the Attorney General’s office)

Ed FitzGerald for Governor (Former prosecutor and FBI agent)

Jon Husted for Secretary of State (Career politician, recently sued for suppressing black voting rights)

John Patrick Carney for Auditor (Lawyer, career politician who was on the State appropriations committee)

Judith French for Ohio Supreme Court (Former prosecutor)

Pepper for Attorney General (Lawyer, career politician)

The all-white makeup of the list is hard to miss. Maybe it’s time these candidates learn that the endorsement cost them some votes.

Author’s note: I responded to the post on the Facebook page and abrasively questioned the FOP about their stance on “bringing back the night stick.” Moments before this article went to press, the FOP responded politely by saying

“The FOP of Ohio strongly supports the right to protest and peaceably assemble for all people. It is the same right that allow for labor unions in this country.”

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