8 Comments
User's avatar
Roland Clee's avatar

Another amazing article and the perspective we can't get anywhere else. Every state in the 1790s agreed to Article VI and the supremacy clause.

Paula Fitzsimmons's avatar

I have a question regarding the totality of a given situation.

Does the fact that the officers were knowingly in a hostile environment with no backup from local PD (not putting this on rank-and-file) and reportedly being stalked play a role in the court's decision? How about the fact that officers are undoubtedly aware that vehicles are increasingly being used to target law enforcement? This officer was in fact, dragged by a vehicle in the past.

Thanks, I'm still learning.

Travis Yates's avatar

It all comes into play. The last stat I saw on officer-involved shootings involved vehicle attacks at around 21% of the time. ODMP lists "vehicle attacks" for a reason. Mix in someone with a military background and/or sound training, and cars blocking you in can be a sign of an ambush attack. The Chicago Superintendent mentioned this specifically.

Paula Fitzsimmons's avatar

Thanks, Travis! If Supt. Snelling, who leads in a deep blue city, can articulate the facts, there's really no justification for other chiefs to remain silent.

John Blackledge's avatar

Travis. As one of those expert for almost two decades and retired police executive - exactly!! And a note, attorneys + politician = an unproven proposition. Their rhetorical statements are not based on case law, statute or the facts as you mention, they are mindless rantings of self-serving hacks who do not have public safety as a priority.

Travis Yates's avatar

Thank you brother.

MC Williams's avatar

Well said brother.

Travis Yates's avatar

Thank you brother.