Drake has posted a powerful response to the death of Louisiana man Alton Sterling, who was shot dead by two police officers in Baton Rouge in the early hours of Tuesday morning (local time).
A video of the shooting captured by a bystander went viral yesterday, prompting mass outrage online and sending #AltonSterling trending.
It shows two police officers pin Sterling to the ground, before one of them pulls out his gun and shoots Sterling from point blank range. The bystander drops their phone, but you can hear three more shots fired off camera; an autopsy later confirmed he died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
“I am grateful to be able to call America my second home,” Drake wrote in an Instagram post. “Last night when I saw the video of Alton Sterling being killed it left me feeling disheartened, emotional, and truly scared. I woke up this morning with a strong need to say something.”
“It’s impossible to ignore that the relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it was decades ago. No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.
“This is real and I’m concerned. Concerned for the safety of my family, my friends, and any human being that could fall victim to this pattern. I do not know the answer. But I believe things can change for the better. Open and honest dialogue is the first step.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Sterling family and any family that has lost someone to this cycle of violence.
“Be safe out there. More life.”
The video of Sterling’s murder can be viewed here, but please be warning that it is graphic and may be distressing.
Photo: Supplied.
