This was taken from Judge John Morganelli’s Facebook page:
In one of his more well-known opinions , Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously said that while he could not readily define the term “hard-core” pornography, “I know it when I see it.”
Well, as District Attorney for 28 years, I know MURDER when I see it. The difference between murder and manslaughter is the presence of “malice” . “Malice “ is ALWAYS present in murder but never in manslaughter . “ Malice “ means a hardness of heart or a reckless disregard for the value of human life. I believe that this tragic and chilling photo will go down in history as a defining photo along with photos like the young , naked Vietnamese girl running from napalm. Prayers for this man, his family and our nation are in order.
58 comments:
Trump is getting the America he has worked to create. Hate, division, lack of empathy. The bad cops no longer fear being held accountable.
Absolutely horrific!
I dislike Trump, but he had nothing to do with this. He has called the death a "very,m very sad event" and has ordered the FBI to investigate. Let's stop creating reasons to criticize him. He provides enough on his own without having to fabricate things.
"Deeply disturbing video shot by a bystander shows Floyd handcuffed, lying on his stomach and seemingly subdued as the officer trying to arrest him pressed his knee down on Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes."
This would be malice. I agree this is murder.
This IS Trump's doing, ever since "very good people on both sides."
So it's malicious murder?
Apparently this cop has been called out for abuse in the past as well. What happened to "serve and protect"? It seems some police departments have forgotten their mission. How many times does this have to happen before there is true reform in policing. Under the last President the AG started reform projects across the country. Under the current disgrace of a leader, Sessions stopped the reforms when he was AG and Barr has certainly not done squat about it. Lastly, remember these are the abuses that we KNOW ABOUT because they were video-taped... how many others are hidden from public view??
What did Trump have to do with this cowardly and reckless assinine event NOTHING!! 12:22 You need to get your head out of Your ass and do something productive You idiot!! People like You are the reason people like this asshole cop exist!
How is a "Judge" let alone a new judge get away with posting something like that on Facebook. Is he going to be another Trump.
Hard to disagree. Difficult to support LEOs when this stuff happens. I become more libertarian every day. But John is a judge now and should know better to opine before all facts are presented. He's barely moved in and appears to be starting his next campaign for statewide office. Ghoulish campaign tactics are repulsive and John has always used them. Luckily, he's been firmly rejected outside his home pond.
obvious suicide
This is not a matter that ever could come before Judge Morganelli, so he can discuss it. This situation is a perfect illustration of malice for purposes of a murder charge.
I've been a cop for over 30 years and this sickens me. All four of those "cops" should be charged. The video is even more disturbing. Never are you taught to put a knee on a neck. Everyone wants to Monday morning quarterback use of force incidents and the media loves fueling the hate, but that guy F'ed up big time and sadly, it's only going to stir up more ambushes on police.
Did they do the autopsy yet? I mean, what if he swallowed a bag of coke or heroin...just sayin...
The videos of the mob storming the 3rd precinct and burning it to the ground with the cops fleeing was striking. I want to feel bad for the cops and outrage over this, but i just cant.
The anger is justified
Two wrongs don't make a right, this is why we need public hangings again! This cop should be charged and taken to a public square and hung till death like he did to the man with his knee.
America has been heading down this untrodden path for many years now and the rule of law has been crossed too many time by public officials. There is two different sets of rule for the haves and have nots. The had a can do what they want while the have nots get thrown into jail for misdemeanors?
"I've been a cop for over 30 years and this sickens me. All four of those "cops" should be charged. The video is even more disturbing. Never are you taught to put a knee on a neck. Everyone wants to Monday morning quarterback use of force incidents and the media loves fueling the hate, but that guy F'ed up big time and sadly, it's only going to stir up more ambushes on police."
I am glad to see this perspective from a police officer. I have heard this from several of them. Yes, there are bad cops, but far more are like this commenter.
"Two wrongs don't make a right, this is why we need public hangings again! This cop should be charged and taken to a public square and hung till death like he did to the man with his knee."
I understand the anger, but if you chop down all the trees in the forest to get the devil, you have nowhere to hide when the devil turns on you. This officer is entitled to due process.
753. ?. Public hangings ? Irrational post. Go with the decaf next time.
The picture appears shocking. But lets let the investigation play out. I like Morganelli but he is wrong to post as a Judge. Recuse from any Trump supporters case. How many times will someone post about "hands up, don't shoot", or now the Minn. cop with the Trump hat and standing. holding a Vote Trump sign at a rally that were photoshopped? "Good people on both side", and on and on......
And a cop of 30 years where?
A judge may not speak out on a pending or impending matter. This is neither to him. There is no conceivable way this could come before him. While it is unusual and perhaps for a judge to speak out on a public issue, I believe Judge Morganelli acted appropriately. In fact, I found his remarks highly instructive on the question of what constitutes malice. In Pa., the injection of malice turns a voluntary manslaughter into 3rd degree murder.
"And a cop of 30 years where?"
If this officer wanted you to know that, he would have told you. He obviously did not.
I have several friends who have been officers for a long time. They hate bad cops more than the general public bc it makes their job more difficult.
8:23, I retired from PSP and still working now for a local PD.
When Abe became judge, he stepped away from his FB page (I think there may be the occasional post or birthday greeting), which I think was a wise move. I would recommend to John -- and any other judge -- to stop social media posting because things have a way of biting one in the butt. It is now on record that John, as a judge, has delivered his verdict, despite all of the evidence being made public. The Lehigh Valley has had its share of police brutality cases, so it isn't out of the realm of possibilities that such a case would land in his courtroom. (And before you attack me, what we see is damning and I can't imagine there is much to defend the officers.)
John, Abe, and every other judge is certainly entitled to his/her opinion, but the only published opinions should be those delivered for the cases they have heard.
That's right Bernie but when convicted public hangings. Just like Rose that commit treason against America, the guillotine nationally televised!
The actors will think before acting in such a inhumane manner.
A police officer gets in trouble when they forget they are appointed and believe they are anointed. As a retired Police Chief I believe the four officers should be charged and in jail. What's wrong is wrong period. I have never in my career seen an officer kneel on a man's neck like that. It goes against all training proceedures and is another set back to all the fine members of law enforcement in the good job they do protecting and service to the community.
The police did themselves no favors immediately after the officers getting fired when they had a "show of strength" surrounding the fired officers house all in riot gear, tapping their shields (source reddit video) meanwhile various parts of the city were undefended because every cop and sheriff were standing with these bad officers.
I do not know how you fix this situation there as there is a complete breakdown between the public and the police. The fact they were allowed that us vs. the public mentality shows extremely poor leadership and the only way to correct that is a total tear down and rebuild of that department.
Excellent point 9:45.
Morganelli is a media hound. Perhaps he has forgotten he is a Judge and represents the Northampton County Court. Maybe Koury as PJ, should remind him he is no longer the DA.
"I would recommend to John -- and any other judge -- to stop social media posting because things have a way of biting one in the butt."
John is campaigning again. He wants higher office. He's never gotten traction with state Ds, as he's been seen as too conservative, especially regarding illegals (i.e. minorities). He won't stop posting. No political campaigner does that.
The police chief is black! How could he allow a culture of rascial brutality? And the mayor is a young, progressive Democrat. What kind of leader is he? This incident should never have happened. Liberal officials talk a good game, but fail to provide effective leadership.
Glad we have a judiciary that is objective and waits to hear all the facts after an investigation. Even if Morganelli is correct, it is against judicial code to post personal opinions like this. Either be a Judge or be a citizen who can have opinions like this. Very unprofessional.
Thanks, 10:25 a.m.!
10:39 a.m.: Last week, Bernie posted about Koury and John was effusive in his comments toward the PJ, so I doubt a "gentle reminder" will be forthcoming. Seems to be some boot-licking happening at that courthouse.
Kneeling on the neck for 8 minutes looks very bad. But, what were the circumstances? Was the guy high on drugs and still acting out? Was the knee firmly placed on the neck, or just there to prevent him from getting up? Doesn't look good for sure. But the facts are unclear at this time. Cannot believe that the cop meant to kill the guy. Poor judgement for sure. But allow the justice system to work.
District Attorneys should never go to crime scenes. Principals are at stake. In my humble opinion, not being an expert in anything, the President should have stayed out of Garrison Keillor’s home state issues that will probably be changing the DA’, police chief’s ,And Mayor’s apparent authority of this unfortunate venue. If the FBI were to called ,let the chief, DA or Mayor or Sheriff make requests. For the President to order them in” this cat fight will change the dynamics, like RedShoes.
Morganelli is completely irresponsible for posting his opinion on an open criminal investigation. He should be censured. He's a friggin judge!!
Agree with 11:49 AM - it is much too early to determine with certainty what actually happened there. Reports and claims are all over the place, from some sort of ‘false flag‘ event, to the cop and victim being friends for years having worked together as security at a local nightclub, to the victim not getting usual care at the scene by EMTs, to the victim dying sometime later while at the hospital.
Naturally, most of our news media can not be trusted to report the event without adding some preferred spin.
Without question, the police on the scene need to be fired and kept off the street. Criminal charges seem certain. We could be months away from conclusion.
Gary W. Gorman replies:
Why are you "just saying..."? Because, he's black? And, for argument sake, let's say he did swallow cocaine or heroin, doesn't that point out how appalling our National drug policy is. Hmmmm...what a choice, go directly to jail for, perhaps, up to 5 years or get suffocated and killed by the arresting police officer.
The Constitution and Declearation of Independence are a well well needed document in today's USA!
Also the punishment's would be entertaining well and fit the crime, public dunkings, the rack, hangings and last but not least the guillotine would be a well attended venue. These kinds of events would put hokey or wwf or whatever it's called now to shame on a pay per Vue events right up close and personal.
11:49 - The "justice" system doesn't work the same for everyone...that's the point!
Watch the video. There is no debate; Mr. Floyd was handcuffed and begging for his life and the officer continued suffocating him until he was unresponsive and even THEN didn't let up.
The facts are clear. Anyone who implies otherwise is part of the problem.
-J
Why no pictures of the fake twenty?
Why is there no investigation by the US Secret Service into the counterfeiting?
This Man who was murdered over the fake twenty, might have received the twenty as payment or a tip during this media/infodemic, in which case he may have been totally innocent and our money supply may be compromised.
Many people have been withdrawing their cash from banks during the Election Virus, many new bills have been printed to accommodated the demand. Sequential stacks of crisp twenties abound.
Tip generously, a twenty here, and a twenty there, could save a life and a city from burning.
11.49
"But allow the justice system to work."
reasonable idea but remember there are two different justice systems.
One for white cops and another for everyone else.
What ‘tis Officer was thinking was acceptable on his department. There is a leadership issue in my mind.
I dont know much, but I know this: quick takes before all the facts are known are usually flawed, if not completely wrong. It certainly looks awful. But it's not my first time seeing this kind of thing. There's a twist most times. Morganelli and Trump would do well to take a deep breath and probably not give a hot take on social media before all facts are known. It makes them look stupid and opportunistic.
I have always ssupport4d John voted for him in every election and still would. I wish he would not have posted this. My concern with him becoming a new junior judge was his propensity for media. He enjoyed his numerous press conferences and never shied away for the cameras'. As a DA and political candidate that was fine. As a new Judge and not the President Judge at that he really should not do press. Hi sonly comments should be from the bench.
You will attack ne and disagree, I expect it as John like some others is a favorite of yours that you will defend until death. I think John is a great guy and will be an excellent judge but he may need to stem his urge for media attention.
Police brutality is a horrific thing. These cops were wrong. So were the Dallas cops who killed Tony Timpa in the exact same way. Watch his 2016 murder on the just-released police body cams. Same knee on the back, same result. Along with audio supporting a blatant disregard for the victim by the cops. And they kept their jobs.
No riot, no protest, no national media.
Life is life. It all matters.
Police brutality does not discriminate.
Some of you think Judge Morganelli should be silent on this matter. You have weighed in. I will host no more comments trashing him over her personal Facebook page. The post is about whether this officer acted with malice.
Gary W. Gorman writes:
I am horrified and saddened by the images of the riots and looting that happened all across America this weekend.
I condemn any protestor, regardless of race, that is rioting or looting. You are part of the problem and not helping your cause. It makes me shake my head and ask myself, "Why should I support you?". I seem to care more about race inequality than you.
You are playing into your own stereotype and not only committing horrific crimes, you are spitting in the faces of people like me who have recognized, understood and vocalized the unjust treatment that certain groups have historically received in the Criminal Justice system. You are giving many people plenty of ammunition against yourself- both figuratively and literally. You are not helping to find a solution. You are further dividing the Country and part of the problem. You are no better than the monster of whom you protest
Again, just because the cops were acquitted in beating Rodney King didn't justify the beating of Reginald Denny.
9:19AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgRUX3668oc
Pallet loads of bricks are being delivered to protest areas, that takes considerable logistics.
There seems to be a level a sophistication going on here the bares closer scrutiny.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLeUF8Nz5ys
What we witnessed all across America last night had very little to do with the murder of George Floyd. That was a highly organized, advanced plan of attack by groups like ANTIFA, and other anarchist groups. Many were paid protesters brought in. Geez, there even was video of a street curb with 4 foot tall pile of bricks stacked-up ahead of time, with no construction site nearby. In other live videos, we saw bricks delivered to storefront looters by persons wearing backpacks. Many scenes of rabble rousers using bull horns shouting encouragement while wearing earpieces and tiny mics.
Fellow citizens, this was an organized attack upon our system of governance. Our nation is being thrown into chaos by bad actors. Sorry, this is no conspiracy theory. Pay closer attention. As we move closer to the November election we’ll see more nights like this. Avoid large urban areas.
We are only now beginning to come out of an unprecedented lockdown of our daily lives. The rules by our states’ leaders have been both unclear and unevenly enforced. As a result of state government decisions to extend the crisis as long as possible, millions of people have been thrown out of work and watch their employment and financial futures damaged for years to come.
Do not discount these conditions as a contributing factor in so many people acting out against government at every level. They feel let down and betrayed. They’ve lost faith in local, state, and national leaders. Certainly, some of those negatively affected will lash-out with vandalism and destruction. Even stealing from unprotected stores where the see ‘feel good’ stuff openly being snatched without any resistance.
Check the video of the woman slowly walking away from a looted Cheesecake Factory with a lovely strawberry cheesecake held in her hands!
12.38
". Geez, there even was video of a street curb with 4 foot tall pile of bricks stacked-up ahead of time, with no construction site nearby."
Curious how a partisan blogger for "the blaze" managed to hype the clip.
And the Dallas police(not known to tolerate such things)have NOT made a big deal over it.
Seems the Gov of Texas would be making a large issue out of it.
Why would he be silent on such a thing?
any well trained law enforcement officer should know to immediately flip the suspect over and sit him in the up right positon, and never... never put your knee on the neck. you have all these "super cops" that get a hot head or don't know how to react and this is what you have. a nation in shambles because one cop doesn't know how to do his job. no wonder everyone is scared and hates cops. no matter what the suspect did he didn't deserve death.... maybe if the forces hired people who had a cool calm and collective mindset instead of these hot headed guys or even did proper trainings then these types of things wouldn't happen, clearly this guy wasn't trained at all since there was multiple occurrences on his end.
2:25 - since the bricks video surfaced yesterday, it might be a little too soon for law enforcement to determine how they got there and who ordered them.
Look, these events across the nation were coordinated and well-funded. The Attorney General believes it is all connected to ANTIFA, thus Trump announcing he will declare that group a terrorist organization. ANTIFA has been around for decades, has thousands of members around the world, and Chapters all across America. Specialists in civil unrest.
So, a rigorous investigation will begin, if it hasn’t already. Those connected to this group will pay a big price, and be dealt with severely. Many will be indicted, have their assets frozen, etc.
It’s time to understand, our nation is under attack from the inside using hardcore radical groups to disrupt our way of life. It is, of course, intended to affect our upcoming Presidential election. Trump stands in the way of where ANTIFA’s leaders want to take us. This ‘war’ will be televised.
Weeks ago a "Back to Work" protest showed men exercising their 2nd amendment rights at the capitol and everyone thought that was just terrible.
This protest we see police officers surrender their patrol vehicles and weapons to the mob.
In this clip it appears as though one of those "Back to workers" disarms a rioter holding a police tactical weapon. There's no telling how many people he might have saved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0ijG8ScsY8
12.38
"to do with the murder of George Floyd.
try
https://www.lawofficer.com/minneapolis-the-home-of-cowardly-leaders/
"As we all know by now, a person wanted for a minor criminal act was restrained in such a manner to cause serious injury or possible death. (Autopsy is not completed at this time). Investigations by local, state, and federal agencies will determine the outcome for these officers involved"
Shows the disconnect between the police and most folks.
that author cannot even state the cops were wrong.
Remember the police and right wing went raging when a football player took a knee.
not to much outrage when a cop took a knee and killed someone.
Crime does not pay!
10:16 - from what many see on television it does! These Mayors and Governors need to step-up.
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