The White man who killed Joe McKnight was able to walk away from the murder scene without being charged. According to reports by Times-Picayune, after Ronald Gasser shot McKnight and killed the ex-NFL player, he was allowed to go home and wasn’t charged by authorities.
The confrontation between Gasser, 54, and McKnight occurred on the afternoon of Dec. 1 on Berman Highway in Terrytown, Louisiana. McKnight got out of his vehicle and Gasser began to argue with him. The two exchanged words as their argument became more intense. According to a female eyewitness, McKnight attempted to bring calm to the situation as the other man became more belligerent. McKnight decided to be the bigger man and apologized.
However, Gasser continued to yell at McKnight and pulled out a gun. He shot McKnight who fell to the ground. The man shot McKnight two more times and yelled, “I told you don’t you f— with me,” while standing over his body.
Although Gasser could eventually be charged, people across the nation could not understand how a person could kill another unarmed person without any repercussion. McKnight never posed as a threat to Gasser. It appears to be another incident where a White man has been allowed to get away with killing an unarmed Black man.
Following Gasser’s release, many took to social media to express their disbelief.
Situations like what happened to #JoeMcKnight are exactly why organizations like BLM exist & why players kneel during the national anthem.
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) December 2, 2016
I think Louisiana detained @deray longer than #JoeMcKnight’s murderer. SMH
— LaQuin Andrus (@QuinAndrus) December 2, 2016
White AmeriKKKan = Having the ability to kill a Black man in cold blood, wait for the police, admit to it then go home & chill. #JoeMcKnight
— #J20 (@Delo_Taylor) December 2, 2016
So if you’re protesting in the street you will go to jail, but the man who shot him to death walked free? That makes sense. #JoeMcKnight
— Kealia Ohai (@KealiaOhai) December 2, 2016
Kill the lie that #JoeMcknight was killed out of road rage. He was killed out of racism and hate.
— Edward Buckles (@E_Buckles) December 2, 2016
People like #RonaldGasser are why I support the death penalty. Murdering an unarmed man #JoeMcKnight in the name of ‘road rage’ is obscene.
— Conor (@DarthHoosier) December 2, 2016
