The man who executed two police officers in Brooklyn this weekend, bragged about “what I’m going to do” on Instagram before walking up to a squad car and murdering two uniformed police officers. In social media posts leading up to the shooting, Ismaaiyl Brinsley also insinuated that his actions were vengeance for the deaths of Eric Garner and Michal Brown. Brinsley shot himself moments after the murder. The 28-year-old had an extensive criminal record, and before the tragic murder of the officers, he shot and wounded an ex-girlfriend. According to a report from the AP, Brinsley has also showed signs of mental instability, and had once attempted to hang himself.
At an appearance following the shooting, Eric Garner’s mother said, “I’m standing here in sorrow about losing those two police officers … These two police officers lost their lives senselessly and our condolence to the family and we stand with the families.” Across New York City, residents participated in a candle light vigil for Officer Wenjian Liu and Officer Rafael Ramos. In a statement, President Obama said, “Two brave men won’t be going home to their loved ones tonight, and for that, there is no justification. The officers who serve and protect our communities risk their own safety for ours every single day—and they deserve our respect and gratitude every single day” …
