The Root, a website that describes itself as “a digital magazine that provides thought-provoking commentary and news from a variety of black perspectives,” asked its Twitter followers if a man should be punished for shooting another man who was allegedly attempting to drown twin infants while holding his estranged wife at knifepoint.
Oklahoma man shoots and kills neighbor who was attempting to drown 3-month-old twins. Should he be punished? https://t.co/wspDNZP73rpic.twitter.com/Fdvu34g3ci
— The Root (@TheRoot) June 5, 2017
The report linked in the tweet is a straight retelling of the story with a video from a local TV station.
But the question on Twitter received immediate pushback.
The man who saved the lives of the children is named Cash Freeman. Gun Owner Shoots Man He Says Was Trying To Drown Infant Twins
What? Is this a real question? NO! He should be honored with a parade and given a key to the city.
— DandiLioness (@DandiLioness) June 5, 2017
Hell No
— JamesAWitherspoonJr (@jamesawithersp1) June 5, 2017
What the actual fuck, how’s that even a question? No!!
— (@stephhh_marie_) June 6, 2017
Is this a real question? Give him a medal, the key to the city, and a day of celebration for this amazing hero
— Michael Huxley (@HuxTales) June 6, 2017
Though not all agreed.
Punished for trying to save the twins? No. Charged with killing another human being and given a trial? Yes.
— Elva Green (@elvagreen1232) June 5, 2017
Screen capture from Twitter
I take it I back, well he should be hailed as a hero. He saved the babies and probably mom too
— Sarah Shechter (@SarahMShechter) June 6, 2017
For the record, this is a picture of Cash Freeman.
Leland Michael Foster picture,shot by Hero neighbor Cash Freeman https://t.co/NSVilGtLeL pic.twitter.com/IgMBVBK0Jm
— infowe (@infowe) June 4, 2017