Sometimes, it’s good to have empathy, but don’t expect the right-wingers to understand it when you do. As Hurricane Florence continues to batter the east coast, as it has for 36 hours and counting, some folks are still trapped there. With no means to evacuate, they have little choice but to stay and wait out the storm, hoping that they are their families remain safe.
In Wilmington, North Carolina, a Family Dollar Store across from a housing project asked police to stand down when its cities poorest residents began entering the store and taking supplies. Local police referred to it as “looting,” and a Fox News affiliate immediately picked up the story.
NEWS ALERT – We are aware of the looting occurring at the Family Dollar Store at 13th & Greenfield Sts, unfortunately management has asked not to intervene at this time.
— Wilmington Police (@WilmingtonPD) September 15, 2018
Some residents expressed their gratitude for the Family Dollar’s stance in a show of sympathy for those in need.
Others, however, weren’t quite as gracious, calling for police to open fire on what appears to be a mostly black crowd.
A local Fox News affiliate covered the story, and police were angered that they weren’t being allowed to intervene despite the property’s owner preferring to leave the matter alone.
‘Due to the looting, Wilmington police said they will enact an extended curfew for the blocks between 13th, 14th, Greenfield, and Martin streets. The curfew will go into effect at 5 p.m. and will last until 6 a.m.
‘Earlier this week, District Attorney Ben David said he was working to clear room in the jail so looters could be charged with taking advantage during disastrous situations…
‘We’re going to do everything we can to protect your property. This is not a response to the video, this has been our message before the storm arrived. This conduct does not speak for the people in that community.’
The debate on social media raged on, with some respondents incensed over property that doesn’t even belong to them, and others expressing their gratitude at the Family Dollar Store’s empathy with storm victims.
Read some of their comments below:
Featured image screenshot via YouTube
