protect and serve;

In the land of the free, the consequences for stealing sunglasses now apparently include death, as demonstrated by the horrifying incident in Northern Virginia where a police officer fatally shot Timothy McCree Johnson, a man accused of stealing two pairs of sunglasses from a shopping mall. The chilling body camera footage, released by the Fairfax County Police, reveals the disturbing reality of modern policing in America.

Police Chief Kevin Davis announced the termination of Sgt. Wesley Shifflett, the officer who fired the fatal round into Johnson's chest, stating that Shifflett's actions failed to adhere to the agency's use of force policies... an understatement at best. While Shifflett's attorney argues that his client will be exonerated on appeal, it's hard to ignore the fact that no weapon was ever recovered from the scene, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the officer's decision to use lethal force.

The video documents a brief, frantic nighttime chase through a mall, parking garage, and into a wooded area. In the crucial moments before the fatal shots, it is difficult to discern any clear details of Johnson's actions. Despite Shifflett's claims that he ordered Johnson to show his hands, the video does not capture any such command.

While some may argue that Johnson failed to comply with police commands, the critical question remains: Does a mere suspicion of shoplifting warrant such a violent and deadly response from law enforcement?......more.......