Police in Mississippi launched tear gas into a group protesting outside of a Walmart. The protesters were responding to the recent death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was killed by police on the property following a shoplifting call. The video shows protesters approaching the Walmart entrance before the pop of the tear sounded, followed by screams from the crowd.
Redditors and local news outlets quickly began spreading the video.
Action News 5 reported that the 1-year-old’s death occurred as deputies were responding to a shoplifting call. Investigators say use of force was warranted as the mother’s vehicle “nearly hit one of the officers.” This prompted the officer in question to fire at the mother’s vehicle, with a bullet hitting the child. The officer has since been placed on leave.
In response to the protest, Mississippi officials are asking the public to be patient as they conduct their investigation.
Mississippi Redditors Respond
Needless to say, viewers weren’t too pleased with the video. “Nice to know people’s lives are worth less to the police than protecting Walmart’s bottom line,” one Redditor said. Numerous ‘ACAB’ comments filled the comments section. Some commenters were confused as to the location of the protest.
“Maybe I’m asking this wrong, but why are the protests at the Wal-Mart and not the police station?” one commenter asked. “I know that’s where the incident went down, but didn’t the news say it was a customer who called the shoplifting? It feels like they’re putting responsibility on the store for nothing they did wrong. The police station, where the officers work, seems like the more relevant place to protest.”
The Mississippi video pointed to larger issues for some viewers. “Every one of those in that police line are enemies of the US Constitution and enemies of the citizens of the United States,” one said. “We live in a military state now,” another pointed out.
