Politics & Government
Police Shootings Incite Protest In Essex County, NJ
How is Essex County reacting to the sniper slaying in Dallas and the deaths of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling?
Essex County, NJ — Alone, each was a tragedy capable of buckling knees across the nation.
But viewed together, this week’s highly publicized police-related shootings in Dallas, Louisiana and Minnesota have created a storm of controversy and tension that has reached all the way to Essex County, New Jersey.
When five officers died at the hands of snipers during a police violence protest Thursday in Dallas, it came just 24 hours after America watched two African-American men, Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, die on camera after being shot by police.
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- See related article: Dallas Shootings: Snipers Kill 5 Officers, Wound 7, During Protest Over Police Killings Of Black Men [UPDATED]
- See related article: Philando Castile Shooting: 5 Things You Need To Know
- See related article: Alton Sterling Police Shooting: Second Video Emerges
The three publicized shootings have since ignited protest and public dialogue in communities as far away as Essex County.
DALLAS SNIPER SHOOTING
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When the news of Thursday’s shooting in Dallas got out, police departments throughout the area flooded the internet with messages of solidarity.
Other public officials in Essex County also decried the shooting, albeit with a political twist.
Prayers to families of 5 officers killed in Dallas. These shootings are deplorable adds to an environment of hatred and right wing frenzy
— rasjbaraka (@rasjbaraka) July 8, 2016
ANTI-POLICE BRUTALITY
Following the deaths of Castile and Sterling, a chorus of voices from Essex County Black Lives Matter supporters and anti-police brutality supporters sprung up on social media.
Protesters also launched several anti-violence-themed actions throughout the county.
In South Orange and Maplewood, dozens of area residents protested police brutality with a “'My Life Matters” walk that began outside Maplewood Police Department headquarters Thursday evening.
Also that day, Newark residents conducted Black Lives Matter-themed protests that caused traffic backups and bus delays in the downtown area.
Several local community groups also advocated for peace and understanding between the protesters and police.
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