No Charges Against SF Security Guard Who Shot Banko Brown
Summary from the AllSides News Team
San Francisco's district attorney announced that a Walgreens security guard who killed an alleged shoplifter acted in self-defense and won't face charges.
The Details: Video shows a confrontation between Banko Brown and guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony as Brown attempted to shoplift. After the struggle ended, Brown began leaving with items before motioning toward Anthony again, who then shot Brown. Anthony said Brown threatened to stab him, and that he shot Brown before realizing Brown had only spit at him. Brown reportedly struggled with homelessness.
Key Quotes: "As prosecutors, it is our burden to ensure that we can prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt…we did not have such evidence," San Francisco DA Brooke Jenkins said.
For Context: Homelessness and crime are top issues in California cities. San Francisco continues to increase its Homelessness and Supportive Housing Department budget as the homeless population grows, and the city now permits cash bail only "in limited misdemeanor cases." In recent years, California made shoplifting items valued under $950 a misdemeanor, and mandated judges to consider a suspect's ability to pay when setting bail.
How the Media Covered It: Many sources across the spectrum framed the shooting as tragic. The left and center covered the news and Brown's transgender identity more prominently. Some suggested Brown was retreating and framed shooting as criminal. The Guardian (Lean Left bias) said Brown's death "sparks outrage and calls for resources for San Francisco’s unhoused queer youth." New York Post (Lean Right) called the video "shocking."
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Center
Banko Brown’s father decries DA’s decision in shooting deathThe father of a transgender Black man who was shot and killed by a security guard in San Francisco decried the decision to not file charges, saying the security guard was the clear aggressor.
“I don’t understand it. It don’t make no sense to me,” Terry Brown said of the shooting and subsequent investigation during an appearance Tuesday on “CUOMO.”
His child, 24-year-old Banko Brown, was shot and killed in April at a Walgreens store by a security guard who suspected Brown of shoplifting.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced...
From the Left
Disturbing Footage Shows Alleged Shoplifter Was Retreating When Walgreens Guard Killed HimDisturbing new footage revealed Monday that Banko Brown, the suspected shoplifter fatally shot by a Walgreens security guard in San Francisco last month, was walking backwards out of the store when a single shot was fired into his chest.
Prosecutors released the graphic clip along with an announcement Monday that Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, 33, won’t face criminal charges in the death of Brown, a 24-year-old Black man.
The security footage showed Brown and Anthony fighting near the store’s entrance, with the security guard repeatedly hitting Brown before placing him in a headlock...
From the Right
‘He Was Killed For … $14’: Footage Reveals Security Guard Shooting Alleged ShoplifterVideo footage of the moment a Walgreens security officer shot and killed an alleged shoplifter was made public by the San Francisco District Attorney on Monday.
Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony will not be charged in the shooting death of 24-year-old Banko Brown after District Attorney Brooke Jenkins determined Anthony had acted in self-defense, according to The Associated Press (AP). Jenkins’ decision coincided with the release of footage from the April 27 incident showing the moment Anthony shot Brown as he reportedly attempted to leave the store with stolen items.
In the released footage, Anthony...
AllSides Picks
March 28th, 2024
March 28th, 2024
March 28th, 2024
Discuss & Debate violence in america
Situation Rooms and their Efficacy in Elections
April 24 at 10am PT / 1pm ET Mediators Beyond Borders International