In what appears to be yet another case of police brutality and injustice, the death of Sandra Bland has shook the nation, particularly African-American women.
Bland, having recently moved to Texas after accepting a job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, died in police custody July 13, after being stopped for a traffic infraction in Waller County.
Although there are outspoken cries of video tampering across the internet due to the numerous repeated scenes, the following video shows what is reported to be the traffic stop in it’s entirety. The altercation begins at the 8:45 minute mark.
Sandra Bland was arrested and charged with assault of a public servant after the arresting officer in the video, Texas state Trooper Brian Encinia, reported that he was scratched, elbowed, and kicked after placing Bland in handcuffs to calm her down. Bland was transported and booked into the Waller County jail, where she was found dead on the morning of July 13th hanging from the window in her cell.
Waller County Sheriff R. Glenn Smith has been outspoken in his support for his troopers and staff over the past 10 days, including vehemently stating Sandra Bland’s death was a suicide, “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind [Bland committed suicide].”
However, there is a strong sense amongst the general public and in particular, Sandra Bland’s family and supporters that something isn’t adding up for a woman who days earlier, expressed excitement over her new job and bright future.
How could someone go from a place of being excited about the future to now wanting to take their own life?” said Theresa Dear, Bland’s minister in Chicago. “We, as a family and a community who love Sandra Bland, do not accept … this narrative that the Texas authorities are putting in the media that she had suicidal tendencies.
Trooper Brian Encinia has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. Representatives from the Texas Department of Public Safety have acknowledged wrongdoing in Encinia’s actions during the traffic stop.
Regardless of the situation, the DPS state trooper has an obligation to exhibit professionalism and be courteous,” said DPS Director Steve McCraw. “That did not happen in this situation.
The Texas Rangers, a division of the Department of Public Safety in Texas, will be overseeing the investigation with support from the FBI.
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