In just a fleeting moment, everything can change. The heartbreaking story of Adam, a 13-year-old boy from Chicago, illustrates this chilling reality. On March 29th, Adam lost his life at the hands of law enforcement, and his untimely death has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow. Headlines flooded the news: “Police Release Footage of Officer Shooting Boy,” “What You Need to Know About the Adam Incident,” and “Remembering Adam.” Yet, these repeated narratives should never feel ordinary. We must recognize that there is a profound issue at play here. Adam Toledo should still be with us today.
Reports indicate that Adam was allegedly seen “holding a gun” during his encounter with police, and prosecutors claimed that gun residue was found on his hand. Prior to the release of body camera footage, prosecutors asserted that he had fired at officers, a claim that was later proven to be completely false. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the altercation, the fact remains: no justification exists for the shooting of a child.
When I learned that the police bodycam footage would be made public, I resolved not to watch it. After witnessing the harrowing evidence presented in the Derek Chauvin trial, I couldn’t bear to witness another act of violence that resulted in the loss of life. Nevertheless, I found myself watching the video multiple times, overwhelmed by emotion and asking, “How could this happen?”
A young man named Marcus was apprehended at the scene, while police attempted to revive Adam, who lay unresponsive on the ground. This tragedy leaves a mother without her son and a community mourning the loss of a young life. Once again, our nation grapples with the reality of a person of color dying at the hands of those sworn to protect us.
Did the officers pause to reflect on their actions? Did they consider the consequences of discharging their weapons? Did they understand they were using lethal force against a 13-year-old child? In the video, I saw a boy who complied with commands—he stopped, turned, and froze—before the gunfire erupted.
In a press conference, a police union representative spoke on behalf of the officer involved, stating, “The juvenile had a handgun in his right hand, was given verbal directions, and began to turn.” He added that the officer felt he had no choice but to use deadly force and expressed his remorse over the situation. However, I am fixated on one statement: “No police officer wants to use deadly force.” Yet, they do. They are disproportionately taking the lives of Black and Brown individuals.
After the gunshots rang out, the officer’s tone shifted dramatically. He seemed panicked as he called for an ambulance and attempted CPR, but by then, it was too late. Adam was pronounced dead shortly after. This pattern of excessive force persists, and it is imperative that we demand accountability and change. Officers must think before they act. If Officer Stillman had chosen differently, Adam would still be alive today.
As I have said before, we should all feel anger and pain over these incidents. Our society faces a crisis as grave as any pandemic, with lives lost senselessly every day. Racism is a disease too. While Black and Brown lives undeniably matter, when will law enforcement fully recognize that truth?
Dear officer, will you choose to preserve a life next time? Will you call for backup and remain composed, understanding that every life is precious? We need law enforcement committed to making the right decisions consistently. The lives of our children depend on it.
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In summary, the tragic death of Adam Toledo highlights the urgent need for systemic change within law enforcement. We must advocate for accountability and ensure that officers prioritize the sanctity of life, particularly when it comes to our children.
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