The latest incarnation of racism in the state of Florida comes by way of 59 year Walton Butler. Butler, a white Gulf County resident is being charged with attempted murder and a hate crime for shooting Everette Gant, an African American man.
On July 30th Butler made racist comments to black children in the Pine Ridge apartment complex. Everette Gant later went to Butlers door to confront him about the racist remarks he made towards the children. Butler then shoot Gant in the head with a .22 caliber rifle. After shooting Gant, Butler closed his door, called 911 and casually continued to cook his dinner. After preparing his food, Butler proceeded to eat his meal while Gant lay bleeding outside his door.
When the police arrived to arrest Butler, he said he was being inconvenienced by the arrest and said he did not know why a big deal was being made of the situation. Butler admitted to shooting the victim and said "I only shot a nigger". Butler denies any wrong doing and shows no remorse for what he did. Butler now finds himself in trouble and is now facing attempted murder charges, and is alo being charged with a hate crime. Butler should have to face justice for discharging a firearm in such a reckless manner.
The most recent reports say the victim, 32 year old Everette Gant is in critical condition.
Incidents like these emphasize that a large segment of white America still places little value on black life. What Walton Butler did and said reflects the views of a large majority of white Americans. There are progressive whites that do not harbour these racist ideas. Those progressive whites need to campaign against people like Walton Butler.