A white Dallas police officer who killed an unarmed black neighbour in his own living room drew 10 years in prison in a stunning courtroom scene of forgiveness and compassion in which she received a hug not just from the dead man's brother but from the judge who imposed the sentence.
People outside court reacted angrily Wednesday to the punishment given to Amber Guyger in the shooting of Botham Jean, arguing it was too lenient.
Critics also blasted Judge Tammy Kemp, who is black, calling her embrace of the officer inappropriate and wondering whether a black defendant would have received such treatment.
I am saying that who gets harsh sentencing and who gets a break, with hugs & Bibles from judges & hair petted on by the police falls suspiciously down lines of race & privilege, Black Lives Matter activist Shaun King tweeted.
Guyger, 31, was convicted Tuesday of murder for a killing she said took place when she mistook Jean's apartment for her own. The September 2018 slaying outraged many in Dallas and beyond and led black people to wonder whether they are safe from police in their own homes.
Jean's brother, Brandt Jean, addressed the former officer directly from the witness stand, saying that his brother would have wanted her to turn her life over to Christ, and that if she asks God for forgiveness, she will get it.
I love you as a person. I don't wish anything bad on you, he said before asking the judge, I don't know if this is possible, but can I give her a hug?