On Aug. 7, 2015, Arlington, TX police were called about a burglary in progress at a local car dealership. Police found a 19 year old black male, Christian Taylor, on the scene. Taylor had just broken a windshield of a car on the lot before driving his own vehicle through the glass windows of the showroom. Due to what police call a “tactical error,” Taylor was fatally shot four times inside the dealership by an officer. Taylor was unarmed. The rookie officer who shot Taylor was fired after the shooting.
On June 10, 2016, a protest was held calling for the prosecution of the Arlington officer who shot Christian Taylor. Grand jurors declined to indict the officer. During the protest, LaShadion Shemwell, was detained by police for refusing to give up his rifle during the protest. He was wrongfully charged with disorderly conduct/displaying a weapon in a threatening manner and resisting arrest.
On Tuesday, jurors found LaShadion Shemwell not guilty. An attorney for Shemwell said the U.S. was founded on protests and his client was exercising his rights.
On January 1, 2016, it became legal for Texas residents to openly carry a handgun in a hip or shoulder holster. The law requires those who intend to open carry must have a concealed-handgun license, be at least 21, have a clean criminal and psychological record, and complete classroom training and pass a shooting test. Shemwell met all of those requirements and was not violating the law at the time of his arrest.
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