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Footage of Highland Park shooter Robert Crimo’s arrest has gone viral on social media. Netizens could not help but notice the different treatment of the Caucasian gunman, who was asked by the police to “do me a favor” during his arrest, while unarmed Black man Jayland Walker was shot 60 times by law enforcement. Twitter users are now slamming police officers for their racist tendencies during policing.
Robert Crimo was recognized as a “person of interest” after killing six people and over 30 injuries. A video of his arrest has now gone viral on social media. Following an hours-long manhunt, the 22-year-old was caught by the police at a large intersection.
Multiple armed officers were seen at the scene. One officer was heard giving the shooter instructions over a loudspeaker. At one point, the officer said:
“Do me a favour, get on our knees, get on your knees lay down flat on your stomach.”
Robert Crimo was then handcuffed and put into custody. He was described as “armed and dangerous” prior to being caught. This comes after it was discovered that the Highland Park shooter shot at the parade attendees from a rooftop with a “high-powered rifled,” which was discovered at the crime scene.
Why is Robert Crimo’s arrest being compared to that of Jayland Walker?
25-year-old Jayland Walker was shot 60 times by police officers in Akron, Ohio, last Monday. This comes after police investigated him for traffic and equipment violations. Prior to being shot, Walker, who was in his car, drove away from the police officers, who eventually caught on. He went on to flee on foot.
Once the officers got closer to the parking lot, eight-shot at the unarmed Black man at least 60 times. Preliminary medical examiner records shared disturbing images of Walker being shot in the face, abdomen, and upper legs. News 5 Cleveland also revealed that Walker had taken a bullet near his left eye and below his chin.
He was found on his back in handcuffs. Why the police were required to handcuff an unarmed, wounded man who lay dying remains unknown. Bobby DiCello, Jayland Walker’s family lawyer, also recognized how media outlets treated Jayland. He told the New York Times:
“They want to turn him into a masked monster with a gun.”
Many netizens took to Twitter to note the different treatment the Caucasian suspect received, despite being a mass shooter. A few tweets read:
Following Monday's shooting, President Joe Biden released a statement expressing shock over the tragedy. On behalf of First Lady Jill Biden as well, he said in a statement:
"Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day."
Christopher Covelli, a Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesperson, announced that they recovered the rifle that Robert Crimo allegedly used during the parade shooting.
He added that the motive behind the heart-breaking massacre remains unclear. However, a “significant amount of digital evidence” helped the police catch Crimo.
