The shooting death of Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man, at point blank range by Baton Rouge, La., police has sparked outrage from several NFL players. Sterling died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to CNN.
CBS News provided more information about the shooting:
Officers responded to the store about 12:35 a.m. Tuesday after an anonymous caller indicated a man selling music CDs and wearing a red shirt threatened him with a gun, Baton Rouge police said in a statement on Facebook.
Two officers responded and had some type of altercation with the man in the parking lot, and one officer fatally shot the suspect, the statement said. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard department policy, the statement added.
The store's owner, Abdul Muflahi, told CBS Baton Rouge affiliate WAFB-TV the first officer used a Taser on Sterling and the second officer tackled him. Muflahi said that, as Sterling fought to get the officer off him, the first officer shot him "four to six times."
The owner said Sterling didn't have a gun in his hand at the time but he saw officers remove a gun from Sterling's pocket after the shooting.
When video of the shooting emerged, it appeared to show one officer pinning Sterling on the ground while another officer shot the restrained Sterling. Since that video surfaced, several NFL players have taken to social media to speak out.
In an Instagram post (which contains disturbing footage of the shooting), 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick compared the shooting to a lynching, writing "This is what lynchings look like in 2016! Another murder in the streets because the color of a man's skin, at the hands of the people who they say will protect us. When will they be held accountable? or did he fear for his life as he executed this man?"
Brian Orakpo, a Titans' linebacker, asked on Twitter "When will this sh-- stop," which is pretty much what countless other players wondered, as well.
Wow they say the police body cams fell off that's convenient #AltonSterling
— Calvin Johnson, Jr. (@calvinjohnsonjr) July 6, 2016
Tragic bro. It's video from other people. Video obviously couldn't have been altered. There is some EXCUSE ALWAYS https://t.co/KhNjZXM80f
— Eric Ebron (@Ebron85) July 6, 2016
Our society still don't get the message. #RIPOurFuturepic.twitter.com/DIBJvBr9LN
— Ricky Jean Francois (@Freakyjean99) July 6, 2016
I'm not for spewing emotions with no plan of action towards a solution. If there is a way I can help I'm all ears. #AltonSterling
— Anthony Davis (@BamDavis_) July 6, 2016
As CBS News wrote, "WAFB reports State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, who was briefed by the Baton Rouge police chief, said the officers were wearing body cameras but they fell off during the struggle and didn't capture the shooting." That appears to be what Calvin Johnson was referring to in his Tweet.
According to Pro Football Talk, Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu wrote "The violence is not new, it's the cameras that are!" on Twitter. That Tweet appears to have been deleted.
Texans receiver Jaelen Strong didn't limit himself to one tweet.
So quick to call a black man a thug. These cops killing innocent people the real "thugs".
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
Sad thing is these cops feel like it's okay to tear up these black families smh
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
No justice in America. What is Independence Day? Definitely means nothing to black people
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
Predictably, other users told Strong to stick to football. So, he responded.
Aka "shut up and play football".. With all do respect sir, I could care less what "yall" need from me. ✌🏾️ https://t.co/RPbGwBIAUT
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
All I know is a black man was shot 6 times by 2 white cops as he was pinned to the ground. Allegedly lost body cams https://t.co/dgLBY4wuDT
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
And besides it ain't even about me, but the youth in my community are given no chance because ppl like you https://t.co/0UlqoOCJ1w
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) July 6, 2016
"It's a horrible thing, it's a horrible thing to happen to him," said Sandra Sterling, Alton's aunt, per CBS News. "He didn't deserve that."
The U.S. Justice Department will investigate the shooting, which governor John Bel Edwards announced Wednesday. He added that the video "is disturbing to say the least."