At a press conference in Dallas over the weekend, some police officers and surgeons and staff at Parkland Hospital spoke about their experiences. The men and women helped save the lives of those still living when they reached the hospital after the horrific shooting scene that broke up a peaceful demonstration.
There was a question asking how the doctors and law enforcement officials dealt with their emotions and how they were processing the extremely difficult events of the past week. Dr. Brian H. Williams, an African American man, gave a very moving, nuanced, and profound response.
You talk about the emotional impact. It’s much more complicated for me personally. It’s not just about that one night. It’s about the racial undertones that affect and impact all of this. So it began for me much before those cops came through the door that evening. I don’t know what I’m going to do about that. But right now, it is certainly a struggle. Where I’m standing with law enforcement, but I also personally feel and understand that angst that comes when you cross the paths of an officer in uniform, and you’re fearing for your safety. I’ve been there. And I understand that.
But for me, that does not condone disrespecting or killing police officers. And it’s something I’m struggling with constantly. And I truly don’t know what I’m going to do next. [ Inaudible question ] Yes, I do. So, I have a daughter. I make sure — I do simple things when I’m out in public. When I see police officers eating at a restaurant, I pick up their tab. I even one time a year or two ago, I bought one of the Dallas P.D. Officers some ice cream when I was out with my daughter getting ice cream. I want my daughter to see me interacting with police that way, so she doesn’t grow up with the same burden that I carry when it comes to interacting with law enforcement. And I want the police officers to see me, a black man, and understand that I support you.
I will defend you. And I will care for you. That doesn’t mean that I do not fear you. That doesn’t mean that if you approach me, I will not immediately have a visceral reaction and start worrying for my personal safety. But I’ll control that the best I can and not let that impact how I deal with law enforcement.
