The Huber Heights man said he was among those Sunday attending a protest opposing the police shooting of Jacob Blake because he’s “tired of being angry.”
“To me, there’s probably a lot of vets out there who feel the same way,” said Hooper, a 54-year-old Air Force veteran.
“They’re looking at this and wondering, ‘Why did I wear this uniform?’ Why do we do what we what we do,” he added.
Hooper was joined by dozens of others at Courthouse Square who showed up in opposition to what happened to Blake, a 29-year-old black man shot seven times in the back on Aug. 23 by a Kenosha, Wisconsin, white police officer.
The Dayton protest, held by Miami Valley Abolitionists, also attracted Sharon Stevens of Dayton.
“I believe in what we’re fighting for,” the 77-year-old said. “I believe everybody has the same rights. And I don’t think Blacks are being treated that way.
“They’re being mistreated by the police and I’m here in support,” she added.
Authorities said Blake was shot as he was opening the driver’s side door of his car after police attempted to arrest him. Blake’s attorney said the shooting left his client paralyzed.
Blake’s shooting prompted protests and violence in Kenosha and across the country. Two protesters were killed and another was injured in Wisconsin by a white male teen, authorities said.
Yellow Springs resident Talis X said he attended the event to promote change
“I’m tired of seeing my brothers and sisters dying and not getting justice all across this country and in other countries – those who look like me,” he said.
With his young son, Kingston, along side him, the 36-year-old – who spoke to the crowd – said he was there “to help us fight and bring awareness to what’s going on.”
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