Shooting shows the failures in our system

I fear that our community is about to hurt two really good cops. There is a “pseudo-religious” belief that when bad things happen to people who don’t deserve it, the police are to blame.

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The woman recently shot and killed by Seattle police officers, Charleena Lyles, was troubled. She had been arrested 26 times in the past. She seemed to have had massive problems. But these officers are now going to suffer as well.

These officers were concerned with Lyles before they even entered her apartment. They knew about her past and that she was a danger. The officers warned her 11 times to get back, trying to diffuse the situation. One officer wanted to use a Taser on her, but neither had one on them. Neither officer wanted to kill this women, but now their own lives are in the balance.

Lots of people failed this woman, but the police aren’t among them. These officers did not go there to kill Charleena Lyles. She went at them with two knives.

The failing of Miss Lyles can be laid at the feet of Ed Murray and the Seattle City Council. They are filling the streets with people with mental illness and filling our communities with people crushed by drug addiction.

We need to help those with mental illness, not put them back on the street.

As always, please listen to the full audio clip for complete context.