Still more on the Shootout
Alicia Heiserer has more on the BAC meeting, and a slightly different opinion from mine, up on her website. She is encouraged by the BAC’s recognition that the Shootout must continue. I agree with that, but I never thought the BAC’s general support for the ride was in much doubt. My surprise was with the lack of discussion on the part of the BAC about the Sheriff’s Department’s tactics.
We should all remember that the BAC had written a letter to law enforcement agencies expressing concern about the ride, but the letter never got sent. The BAC has been worried about the riders’ legal violations for some time, and has expressed them verbally to both Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Tucson Police Department representatives.
I think a letter is called for in this instance that states in clear terms that the Sheriff’s deputy’s actions were dangerous and uncalled for.
I’ve not been asked to represent any of the Shootout riders who were injured or whose property was damaged in this incident, but I still may try to obtain any video that was made from the front of that patrol car. I think it would contain vital information.
I should say that I do sympathize with the Sheriff’s Department general need to keep the riders in one lane and riding in a fashion that doesn’t result in somebody getting killed. But it seems like that can be done without a lot of disruption to the ride and without overzealous officers endangering the riders.
–Erik Ryberg