Speak Out: How do you feel about the verdict in the Sean Bell trial?
Given the reputation of the New York City police and their track record for killing unarmed Black men, it was not hard to believe that the three officers involved were cleared of all charges. This is not the first time police were not held accountable in a criminal case of excessive use of force against Blacks. The New Pittsburgh Courier took a poll to sample the pulse of the Steel City on this controversial case. Here’s what you said.
JENNIFER STEVENSON
“I feel mixed emotions about the trial. I wonder why the police are unjust and they don’t get the same trial as other people.” Jennifer Stevenson Collection Agent North Side
“I want to say that the whole thing is fine, but one man is dead. The cops should have had more of a reason to shoot and kill a man, and getting off not guilty is unjust.” Antonuan D. Thomas Unemployed Beltzhoover
“I think the trial was biased. It was an unjust trial, they should not have been let off with no sentence, and it was extremely unfair.” John Potter Security North Braddock
“From what I remember, (the police) got off. At some point New York City decided not to prosecute police, just like in the Amadou Diallo case.” Sam Black Curator Point Breeze
“I feel that justice wasn’t served. (The police) were negligent. It’s another sad statistic of young unarmed Black men being killed for no reason.” Stephanie Moye Salon owner Penn Hills
“I followed the case and it seemed like the judge went out of his way to find reasonable doubt. The entire culture of the New York Police Department needs to be completely overhauled.” Paul Ellis Atttorney Hill District
