City Of Cleveland Apologizes For Blaming Tamir Rice For His Own Fatal Shooting

An ongoing federal lawsuit filed by the family of Tamir Rice prompted a response from the city of Cleveland last week arguing that the 12-year-old was responsible for his own death.

The city’s claims caused outrage from family and community members — and perhaps led to a public apology from Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson who shared the city’s regrets for the language they used.

“Now, however, we’re talking about blaming a 12-year-old for his own death. Essentially, what they’re telling the world is that we’ve created a new standard for 12-year-old children nationwide that they’re going to be responsible for consequences that we don’t expect 12 years to really appreciate.”

HuffPost Live have asked the Cleveland Police Department to comment. They have yet to respond.

The Huffington Post