“This is how people get hurt,” Homan said. “When mobs decide guilt before evidence, everyone loses.”
The situation underscores a growing challenge for modern law enforcement: the speed at which incidents are judged in the digital age. Within minutes of the shooting, video clips, commentary, and accusations were circulating widely, often stripped of context or accompanied by unverified claims. Once personal details were shared online, the agent became a target not just of criticism, but of intimidation.
At the same time, community activists argue that public pressure is often the only force that leads to accountability, particularly in cases involving federal agencies. They say calls for patience have historically resulted in investigations that clear officers without meaningful consequences, deepening mistrust. Continue reading…