Dear Governor Dayton,
My name is Andrew Brundidge. I am an African American boy. Also I’m 9 ½ years old.
I think there should be a law saying that officers must have a true and good reason to shoot someone. Plus, they must look at the required license if they pull someone over who is driving.
I myself, on behalf of Black people everywhere, don’t think that it’s fair for a police officer to shoot and kill someone who hasn’t done anything wrong. If someone is not a threat to law enforcement, a police officer should not have the right to take their life. Philando Castile did not deserve to die.
I have three younger siblings who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders: my baby brother Brandon who is three years old, my sister Cameron who is two years old. The youngest, Daniel, who is one years old, was diagnosed a few months ago. Daniel can’t talk yet.
If an officer asks Daniel a question and he can’t answer, will they shoot him because he didn’t respond? I will not let him die because of that. I hope you can make a difference for me, and for Daniel.
Sincerely,
Andrew James Brundidge
Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.
I am overwhelmed by the articulate manner in which Daniel expressed his concern for the safety of his siblings and future generations of individuals whose mental challenges are not obvious to the general public or law enforcement specifically. I agree with you Daniel. I, too. share your concerns.