Ever since Beyoncé unveiled her controversial song “Formation” during Super Bowl 50, there has been outrage among ultra-conservatives. The routine highlighted the horrors afflicting Black Americans and paid homage to the Black Panther Party. This non-violent display of Black protest has now led Rutherford County, Tennessee Sheriff Robert Arnold to blame Beyoncé for a string of national police shootings and a recent drive by at his home. Arnold claims that shots were fired outside of his Osborne Lane home Monday night that terrorized his neighbors and family. He claims that when he first heard the shots, he wondered if Beyoncé’s video was responsible.
Arnold released an email statement that readsm “My comments reflect the violence and senseless killing of seven deputies in the U.S. since the show aired. My comments are an observation of the violence that has occurred but in no way is meant to offend anyone.” He also stated a news conference “That’s what bothers me the most, how this affects my family. For this to happen at my house, this bothers me tremendously.”
Police recovered six 22 caliber shell casings in a row, which indicates the shots were fired from a moving vehicle. Neighbors in the area have reported hearing multiple gunshots that night during the time of the incident. The email that was sent by Arnold also included a direct link to the conservative National Sheriffs Association webpage that stated, “The senseless killing of four law enforcement officers just this week — on the heels of the anti-police “entertainment” at the Sunday Super Bowl halftime show — reminds us that the men and women in law enforcement take a solemn oath that includes putting their lives on the line every day to protect our citizens.”
