Protestors rally outside of the home of police officer who killed Antwon Rose
TheGrio has launched a special series called #BlackonBlue to examine the relationship between law enforcement and African-Americans. Our reporters and videographers will investigate police brutality and corruption while also exploring local and national efforts to improve policing in our communities. Join the conversation, or share your own story, using the hashtag #BlackonBlue.
Protestors descended on the Penn Hills home of Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld, who was arrested and charged in the murder of teen Antwon Rose II.
After Rosfeld was charged with criminal homicide and Rose’s family said they were somewhat optimistic about the turn of events, many thought the protests would cease. But instead, protestors have ramped up their efforts, shouting and chanting outside of one of the homes that was said to be connected to the accused cop, reports WTAE.
—Mayor apologizes after posting about police using water cannons on Antwon Rose protestors—
When asked why the protests have continued, one demonstrator said: “Because a 17-year-old boy is dead and his killer is free. So, we’re here because if it was anyone else, he would not be free. He would be standing behind bars crying. Antwon Rose’s mother is crying while his killer is free.”
Many have said Rosefeld got special treatment because he is a cop.
Rosfeld was arrested but released on an unsecured $250,000 bond which had made his family and his attorney uneasy.
“He will go home without paying a dollar out of his pocket, without putting property up, just by signing his name,” Rose family attorney Fred Rabner said.
“When you have murder one, to have no bail, you have put up no property, to offer no cash … it’s very, very unique and it shows a system that is bent in favor of law enforcement,” attorney Lee Merritt said.
“I think what you’re going to learn about Officer Rosfeld through the exposure of his prior behavior, his prior actions while with other law enforcement agencies, his prior egregious behavior, you’re going to not believe really a word that you hear from Officer Rosfeld. You’re going to see that not only was he a violent person, but he had a violence toward a certain type of person. Not only that, he had a habit of falsifying things in his reports,” Rabner said.
—Family of Antwon Rose ‘optimistic’ after police officer charged with criminal homicide—
District Attorney Stephen Zappala even criticized Rosfeld’s release on unsecured bond. Zappala was also vocal in saying Rosfeld’s shooting of Rose was both “intentional” and went against normal procedure by not waiting for backup when there were three people in the car.
“He was not acting to prevent death and serious injury,” said Zappala during a press conference. “You do not shoot someone in the back if they are not a threat to you.”
