Philip Smith, the president and founder of the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) issued the following statement on the killing of legal gun owner, Amir Locke when Minneapolis Police carried out a no-knock warrant.
No Knock Equals No Justice
Amir Locke, a 22-year-old black man lay asleep just before 7am, when loud noises and unknown voices awoke him. Like many other law-abiding citizens, Amir had a legal firearm nearby when the Minneapolis Police Department entered his residence without warning. In just 9 seconds, police opened fire and Amir was shot and killed. There are no words to truly express the pain that I feel as I read about another black man recklessly killed by the laws and policies that are supposed to protect all of us.
As a husband and father, it is my job to protect my family. What would I do if someone were to kick in my door unannounced and uninvited? What would I say? I, like many of you, and like Amir Locke, would grab the closest firearm, trust my training, and do all I could to protect me and my family. We have a crisis unfolding before us and must do all we can to seek change and justice. The use of no-knock warrants has proven to be a deadly practice. This murder is another example of the unjust policies used to police our communities and justify the killing of black men. We must support the memory of Amir Locke and immediately end the use of no-knock warrants everywhere.
Yes, police have a job to do and it’s hard – I get it. It is a job that many of us couldn’t do on our best days. In the days since Amir’s story gained national attention, I took the time to speak with several officers that I consider good police. The conversations were tough but necessary. We don’t all have to agree on everything, but we do have to find common ground and a path forward. I believe no-knock warrants run over the rights of American citizens and they create an imbalanced application of justice. What you end up seeing is a "mob mentality " being played out behind the barrel of a gun, at the expense of our communities. Too many things can go wrong. It is my belief that ending no-knock warrants is a start. It is a conversation starter and the beginning of tough policy changes.
What do we do next? We use our voices and the power of voting to bring about real change. We contact our elected officials, both local and national, to express our opposition to no-knock warrants. We stand in unity against all unjust practices, then we ensure our votes are felt in the ballot boxes. Now is the time to come together and protect our communities. We must get rid of no-knock warrants as they have no place in our society.
Philip Smith
President & Founder
National African American Gun Association
About NAAGA:
The National African American Gun Association provides a network for all African American firearm owners, gun clubs and outdoor enthusiasts.
The goal of the National African American Gun Association is to have every African American introduced to firearm use for home protection, competitive shooting, and outdoor recreational activities. We are a pro 2nd amendment organization focused on the preservation of our community through armed protection and community building.
They welcome people of all religious, social, and racial perspectives.
They especially welcome active and retired African American members of law enforcement and the military.
