In today’s society, we often find ourselves living in a state of anxiety, worried about the consequences of voicing our concerns and standing up for our rights as citizens. We are haunted by the trauma of witnessing the violence against Black individuals, to the point that these tragedies no longer make headlines. The chilling sentiment that encapsulates our current reality is: It does not affect my life. This was the message conveyed by a police officer in Virginia to a man whom he had just pepper-sprayed. What was meant to be a simple traffic stop turned into yet another stark reminder of the indifference some officers exhibit towards Black lives.
An unarmed Black and Latino Army Lieutenant named Marcus Rivera was pulled over on December 5, 2020, in a small Virginia town near Norfolk. The police never provided an explanation for the stop. In a mere three minutes, the life of this Black man hung in the balance for no valid reason. It is only now, as Lt. Rivera pursues legal action against the police department, claiming that Officers Alex Thompson and David Lee used excessive force, that the footage of the incident has come to light. This case is now set to be evaluated in the court of public opinion.
Lt. Rivera is seeking $1 million in damages, arguing that the police’s use of excessive force is evident in the footage. Watching the video, it becomes clear that this is not merely an allegation; it is a reality that mirrors cases like those of George Floyd, Philando Castile, and Breonna Taylor. The list of victims continues to grow.
As Lt. Rivera expresses his fear for his life, one officer chillingly responds, “You should be.” This is the America we live in. With guns drawn, commands were issued for him to exit the vehicle. In a moment of desperation, Lt. Rivera turned on his cell phone to record the encounter, perhaps anticipating that it could document his potential murder. Although he was not killed, the footage remains deeply distressing.
Amidst the officers’ aggressive shouting, Lt. Rivera calmly inquires about the situation, seeking clarity on why he was stopped and ordered to comply with demands. Aware of his rights as a Black citizen in a country notorious for police violence, he recognizes the precariousness of his situation, especially when faced with officers who may attempt to distort the narrative to cover their actions.
Officer Alex Thompson tells Lt. Rivera, “You made this way more difficult than it had to be. Get on the ground!” This statement is particularly troubling, as Lt. Rivera posed no threat; he had no weapon and did not resist. His only “offense” was asking for an explanation, a question that could have defused the tension.
Towards the conclusion of the video, Officer Thompson again shifts blame onto Lt. Rivera, stating, “There’s no need for this to be on your record… However, it’s entirely up to you.” It’s unclear what charges they would impose, as Lt. Rivera did not engage in any unlawful behavior. He merely requested to understand the reason for the stop. This situation echoes the tragic story of Sandra Bland, reminding us that police are not obligated to provide answers, which is fundamentally wrong. The officer’s response illustrates a failure to take responsibility for the unjust treatment of another person.
In the footage, Lt. Rivera’s fear is palpable. Despite the threat to his life, he persists in seeking answers, asking, “Can you please talk to me about what’s going on?” This encounter was far from a display of “protecting and serving”; the officers appeared to be reacting out of fear for their own safety from a man who simply did not comply immediately.
Even when subdued and face down on the pavement, a Black individual’s life can feel worthless. The officers involved in George Floyd’s death seemed to operate under the belief that whether he lived or died was inconsequential to them. Society has grown weary of hearing threats like “You’re fixin’ to ride the lightning, son,” which one officer directed at Lt. Rivera — a clear indication of a death threat.
Navigating life as a Black person in this America is fraught with fear, particularly when confronted with violent law enforcement. The concern for whether a Black man will survive the night or a mother can rest easy knowing her child will return home safe is a reality that White Americans often cannot comprehend because, as they say, it does not change my life.
The injustice of a mother burying her son or a child growing up without their father due to the actions of those sworn to protect us is a collective tragedy. Lt. Rivera is another casualty of a system riddled with racism and violence. It is my hope that no one has to prepare to document their assault or, worse, their own murder.
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