Democratic Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said Tuesday on CNN that racial bias was a large contributing factor in the shooting of a teen boy who approached the wrong home.
In a heart-wrenching interview on CNN, Democratic Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas tearfully spoke about the senseless shooting of a young boy who found himself at the wrong doorstep.
On April 13, sixteen-year-old Ralph Yarl, full of innocence and love for his siblings, mistakenly misread an address while attempting to pick them up. Tragically, this innocent mistake cost him dearly.
As the night fell and the clock approached 10 p.m., Kansas City Police received a distressing call.
Upon arriving at the scene, they found young Ralph Yarl, lying helpless with gunshot wounds to his head and arm.
A fearful homeowner had reportedly shot the teenager through a glass door, mistaking him for a threat.
Mayor Quinton Lucas, his voice filled with emotion, alleged that racial bias played a heartrending role in this tragic incident.
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“I won’t assign racial bias to the police without further discussion and investigation, and I think that we did have officers, white officers for what it’s worth, who did a lot of hard work to get this case filed to the prosecutor, having charges filed shortly thereafter. That being said, to pretend that race is not a part of this whole situation would be to have your head in the sand,” Lucas said.
“This boy was shot because he was existing while black, and he knocked on the door of someone who clearly, clearly fears black people, black boys, black children, and I think that that is clear as day. And so I hope that is not mistaken or forgotten.
“The reason why many black people and black parents, myself included, are concerned is because if one day it’s ringing on the doorbell that can get you shot, then what else is next? This is normal existence in life, and somebody came to a door and shot through a door, not once but twice. That’s what is horrifying. That’s why I think I’m glad to see this first step towards justice and why we all need to investigate how we handle this and how can do better in the future.”
Police Chief Stacey Graves told reporters Monday there was no evidence the shooting was racially motivated, though she did assure the public racism has not been dismissed as a possibility.
Homeowner Andrew D. Lester, 85, is facing one count of assault in the first degree and one count of armed criminal action.
