Terrorism in Milwaukee? - Black Panther Party speaks out

'I imagine there will be some type of Panther presence in Milwaukee if there is not already.'

The so-called "national minister of defense" for the People's New Black Panther Party claims Milwaukee police are intentionally attacking black men and women in an act of terrorism.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to Breitbart, Babu Omowale, of the People's New Black Panther Party, maintains all officer shootings of black suspects are acts of terrorism.

The most recent shooting involved 23-year-old Sylville Smith, who was involved in a standoff with police after he attempted to flee a vehicle he and another person were in when they were pulled over Saturday afternoon.

Smith was holding a handgun and refused to drop the weapon when officers demanded he do so, prompting them to open fire.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

Smith's sister, Kimberly Neal, told CNN her brother "should have been tased, if anything," then added, "We want everybody to feel our pain."

Smith's death prompted protestors to burn cars, throw rocks at officers and burn six businesses, including one gas station.

When asked if the riots could be called a "civil war," Omowale stated:

"The people are against terrorism, and tyranny in their community is not a civil war. When you are speaking about civil war, you are talking about a country fighting against a country. This is oppressed people fighting against a racist, white supremacist police system. Which is meant to oppress a certain group of people. More likely black people and poor people around the country.

"What you see is people lashing out and fighting against the system. As it is said in the Second Amendment, you know. So this is not new. The people in this country have always defended themselves against tyranny. So I can't liken this to a civil war.

"No it's not. Is it a war? Yes, it is. It's a war against black people because we're the ones being murdered. We're the ones being killed. So there's been a war against us. But is it a civil war? I can't say that's the case."

When told of Smith's refusal to drop his weapon, Omowale claimed the incident was "basically the sale old, same old that is happening around the country. Black men are being murdered. Whether he had a gun or not is not the narrative in this perspective.

"You have to understand that America is a country of guns. And people are going to own them. Unless that police officer was threatened with that man raising the gun up at him, and actually trying to do harm to him, he is absolutely wrong."

Omawale believed Smith was shot in the back as he attempted to flee authorities from fear but when he learned Smith was shot in the chest and arm, he claimed Smith was running from the officers but could have been shot when he "turned in which direction he needed to go....You are only telling me the police's version. See the other man is dead. He can't give his version.

"We have seen so many times where police officers have made statements but yet cameras have come out to catch them in their lies. So it's gotten to the point where America does not believe when a police officer says that someone turned toward them with a gun. And again having a gun does not justify killing someone."

Though there have been several instances in which police officers have outright killed black people for insubstantial reasons, violent protest literally does nothing to help, and when people are so consumed by the wrong that they can't see when officers are acting within the parameters of their station, the problem needs to be addressed.

Note the real protestors are the members of Black Lives Matter, who go through legal channels to create the change they want to see. Every member who claimed they were protesting while setting buildings on fire and burning vehicles in the street are merely acting out because they believe they can hide behind a movement.

These people are really just hindering the progress of those who are truly dedicating to seeing change in their community and communities across the nation.

Smith's other sister, Sherelle Smith, cried out to the community, "Don't bring that violence here."

She doesn't believe violence is the correct response to the loss of her brother and added the community needs the businesses "protestors" burned to the ground.

Sunday prompted calls for peace and prayer from ongoing "racism, injustices and oppression."

City Alderman Khalif Rainey explained: What happened tonight may not have been right and I am not justifying that but no one can deny the fact that there are problems, racial problems in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that need to be rectified. This community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has become the worst place to live for African-Americans in the entire country.

"Something has to be done to address these issues. The black people of Milwaukee are tired; they are tired of living under this oppression, this is their life...A young man lost his life yesterday afternoon. And, no matter what the circumstances, his family must be hurting."

Rainey added the violence is the result of inequality, injustice, unemployment and lack of education. Each of these issues must be addressed in Wisconsin's school, economic and justice systems before change will truly come.

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