President Donald Trump’s inability to condemn white supremacists and his callout to the Proud Boys from the presidential debate stage has drawn outrage from across the spectrum, as well it should. And while we are constantly subject to Trump’s verbal assaults, and are forced to consider whether his words will inspire violence, we must remember that his policy choices are causing violence every day.
As protests across the country have called for an end to racial injustice, the Trump administration has not only failed to address the root causes of police violence, but its actions will lead to an increase in gun violence.
Lessons from past episodes of police brutality are clear. Not only does police violence harm victims, but this violence diminishes the standing of law enforcement and destroys trust between law enforcement and the community. It impedes the ability of communities and police to work together to address violent crime, and that leads to more violence in the community.
After the death of Freddie Gray on injuries he suffered in the back of a Baltimore police van in 2015, the difficult relationship between the community and law enforcement frayed even further, likely contributing to record high gun violence in that city.
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As protests across the country have called for an end to racial injustice, the Trump administration has not only failed to address the root causes of police violence, but its actions will lead to an increase in gun violence.
Lessons from past episodes of police brutality are clear. Not only does police violence harm victims, but this violence diminishes the standing of law enforcement and destroys trust between law enforcement and the community. It impedes the ability of communities and police to work together to address violent crime, and that leads to more violence in the community.
After the death of Freddie Gray on injuries he suffered in the back of a Baltimore police van in 2015, the difficult relationship between the community and law enforcement frayed even further, likely contributing to record high gun violence in that city.
Trump policies spur gun violence. Next president must use federal authority to stop it.
Unnecessary police crackdowns cause mistrust. Growing chasm between police and communities mean cops aren't around when they should be.
