A growing trend on social media by people who are anti-Black Lives Matter has been to mock the death of George Floyd. People of all ages are sharing videos and photos of themselves kneeling on the necks of friends, family members, and even dummies for a variety of reasons. Some people are attempting to prove that Floyd didn't die of asphyxiation while others just want to poke fun at a black man's death. No reason is justified for such a cruel act, and it's reportedly caused FedEx to fire one of its employees after the man went viral.
In a clip that circulated online, a man named James DeMarco is seen shouting at peaceful protesters while on the side of the road. He's joined with a few of his friends as they've surrounded themselves with Trump signs, and DeMarco is spotted mocking George Floyd's death by kneeling on his friend's neck.
FedEx caught wind of the video and issued a statement to TMZ saying that DeMarco has been suspended."The behavior depicted in the video, which involved a FedEx employee, is appalling and offensive. The employee in question was immediately removed from all FedEx work duties while our investigation is concluded and all internal procedures are followed. A diverse and inclusive workforce is at the heart of our business, and we stand with those who support justice and equality."
However, a comment reportedly made by the company over on Instagram shows that DeMarco has been fired. Check it out below.
James Scurlock’s Death Ruled As Self-Defense
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine has confirmed that he will not be pressing charges against the man who shot James Scurlock.
On May 30th, 2020, a 22-year-old young man named James Scurlock was shot and killed during the George Floyd protests. His death occurred during a fight with Jacob Gardener, which took place outside Gardener’s bar in Nebraska. At the time, Scurlock was said to have placed Gardener in a chokehold, which ultimately ended with Gardener firing his gun. One of the shots hit Scurlock near the neck; though he was taken to the hospital, he died later that night.
Gardener was taken into police custody that night. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine has since confirmed that the bar owner would not be charged, as he was acting in self-defense. Kleine cited video evidence of the incident, footage that depicts Kleine in a conversation with Scurlock and several others. A report from the NBC News claims that a fight broke out, and Gardener fired off a couple of warning shots. Scurlock managed to get him in the chokehold — Gardener can allegedly be heard saying “get off me” repeatedly — and that’s where the fatal shot occurred.
Kleine described the death as “senseless,” but seemed to agree with law enforcement officials that it was “justified.” The decision not to press charges did not sit well with State Senator Justin Wayne, who was speaking on behalf of the Scurlock family. “In this community, we prosecute black and brown individuals a lot more for things like we just watched,” he mentioned, words that ring all the more poignant following George Floyd’s murder.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts defended Kleine’s decision. “Don Kleine is a well-respected prosecutor in the law community both in Omaha and in the state,” he stated. “If Don Kleine doesn’t believe he can bring charges at this time, I believe him. Keep an open mind. We have to heal, and move on together.” Still, there are many who feel that the wrong choice was made and that James Scurlock deserves further justice. During a press conference, Scurlock’s family implored as such. “My family wants closure and peace,” stated an unidentified family member. “What we want is for this to go to court and get a full prosecution.”
