Headline RoundupMay 17th, 2023

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

More headline roundups

More News about Violence in America from the Left, Center and Right

From the Left

From the Center

From the Right