Campus pride leader killed in police shooting

In a nation wherein police violence dominates headlines regularly, it is sad to report that one more life has been lost to a problem that doesn’t seem to be finding resolutions.

The victim this time was Georgia Tech student, Scout Schultz. Schultz was non-binary and acted as president for the college’s campus pride group.

The incident occurred as Schultz was carrying a “flip-open utility tool that would likely include a small blade,” according to CNN. However, during the confrontation, the blade was not being utilized.

Confrontation began as police approached Schultz. Due to the location, dorm residents witnessed and recorded it.

As tension escalated, police demanded that Schultz “drop the knife,” that they was carrying. Schultz more closely approached the officer and asked to be shot. As conversation continued, Schultz walked in closer and was shot in the heart and killed.

While Schultz’s behavior can be seen as unusual, it can be accredited to their history of depression.

Furthermore, despite the scene made, many are asking the police responsible why alternative means of controlling Schultz weren’t used.

“Why didn’t they use some nonlethal force, like pepper spray or tasers,” said Lynne Schultz, Scout’s mother, in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Currently, the shooting is still under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Copyright The Gayly – 9/18/2017 2:25 p.m. CST