Vigil For Cop's Shooting Victim Provokes More Outrage

Just over a week after an undercover NYPD officer fatally shot 49-year-old Shem Walker, loved ones and community leaders gathered around his mother's Clinton Hill stoop, the site of the deadly altercation in which the details still remain unclear. Bitterness over the incident was clearly in the air yesterday with the harshest words coming from Councilwoman Letitia James, who said, “I say to the NYPD, get your lies straight." The Brooklyn DA's office is currently investigating the shooting as the identity of the officer remains unknown—just that he is a seven-year NYPD veteran and is also black. A minister at the vigil yesterday said, "Police officers are paid to protect and serve, but they are also paid for their judgment. Too often it is the case that their judgment is off with people of color." Tonight a funeral will be held for Walker at Full Gospel Assembly of God with Reverend Al Sharpton delivering the eulogy.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Billy Parker in News on July 20, 2009 1:00 PM

Comments [rss]

nicemarmot

Funny but I wasn't aware kicking a cop was a crime that called for instant execution. Police need to think before they shoot. Sure this guy sounds like an asshole, but he didn't have a weapon. There was no reason to shoot him.

Wza

NYPD is the biggest gang in the city.

Thought ya knew?!

Bernie Madoff-Goetz

Black cop kills black citizen and it's a...race issue?

silver

Ice Cube - Fuck The Police

All black cops are oreos and therefore white cops. So it is a race issue.

Bernie Madoff-Goetz

Well, who am I to argue with the guy from Barbershop 4. If he said it, clearly it must be true.

streber

Whoa...

"Don't kick a police officer in the head"

... the police officer did not identify himself as such.

"He tried to be a tough guy"

He was protecting his mother's home from local thugs!

The problem is that the NYPD doesn't teach it's employees that they are servants of the people. The NYPD teaches it's employees that they are above the law and that they can bully civilians at will.

Spirit of 76

Well, I'm sure if Rolltide had found someone he suspected was a drug dealer outside his home, he would have courteously asked the man to go to another block. With a "pretty please" on it. He's only an armchair police officer here on Gothamist. Fact is, like most Internet tough guys, he's an impotent wuss in real life.

Brooklynbobby

He wasn't even supposed to be in Brooklyn. He is on parole in Pennsylvania where he lives. Can't wait to hear what that pig, Sharpton says.

sexisicilian

Like this man was a pillar of society right?

Homer2323

Here is an idea, dont be a convicted felon, dont kick a police officer in the head, dont punch a police officer in the face. He tried to be a tough guy and now he is dead. If he hadnt done any of that he would still be alive.

yg

The cop was undercover, trespassing and didn't respond to the the requests to leave. In all fairness, he's lucky the guy didn't come out with a shotgun.

silver

Thats why NYC has tough/prohibition on guns. http://gothamist.com/2009/07/20/schumer_against_law_allowing_concea.php

So Crips, Bloods, MS13, and undercover cops can do whatever they want on your property.

Matt Joyce

If there aim is so accurate why do they have to use two clips?

ANGRYGOD11

INSURANCE

ANGRYGOD11

"Police officers are paid to protect and serve, but they are also paid for their judgment. Too often it is the case that their judgment is off with people of color."

Their aim at people of color, however, is very accurate.