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It’s not hyperbole to say this past weekend was one of the worst in America’s long and complicated history.
Peaceful protests in the name of George Floyd during the day turned to violence and looting at night.
Innocent bystanders were dragged through the streets of Las Vegas, pushing down old men, and a tanker truck tried to plow into thousands of people.
While the majority of the news was tough to watch, there were some brief moments of hope in places like Michigan, and now, Tennessee.
After the video of George Floyd’s arrest and his subsequent death, a Tennessee police chief tweeted his thoughts on the matter and made a powerful statement directed at his own officers and police across the country.
Chattanooga Police Department Chief David Roddy said police officers who don’t see an issue with the graphic video showing former Minneapolis police officer David Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck as the 46-year-old repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe,” should turn in their badges.
“There is no need to see more video,” tweeted Roddy. “There no need to wait to see how ‘it plays out’. There is no need to put a knee on someone’s neck for NINE minutes. There IS a need to DO something. If you wear a badge and you don’t have an issue with this…turn it in.”
The tweet has struck a cord online. Since posting the message on Wednesday, the tweet has been liked over 639K times.
https://twitter.com/ChiefDavidRoddy/status/1265758198608400386
The tweet even struck a nerve with police officers across the U.S.
https://twitter.com/na229grad/status/1265955360009007104
Unfortunately, that meme is 100% correct. Can I state here for everyone to see, please believe me when I say WE are NOT all like this, and I am embarrassed that one of my Blue Brothers has acted in such an inhumane manner towards another human being. I am sorry beyond words🙏
— Grant W. Ellis🖤🤍💙 (@Grant_W_Ellis) May 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/ChiefCMagnus/status/1265764567071617025
Roddy has 24 years of police service, according to the Chattanooga Police Department website.
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Chris Illuminati is a 5-time published author and recovering a**hole who writes about running, parenting, and professional wrestling. Reach out to him on Instagram & Twitter.