Francisco Carbajal admits he chose the “Shoot Cops” phrase for the shock value it invokes, but insists his message is not about violence.
“Our message is simple,” Carbajal claims. “Pull out your phone and record any interaction with a police officer.”
Carbajal, who said he has never met an officer who treated his with respect, claims he has been unjustly stopped and searched, and garners inspiration for his creations from hip-hop music and high-profile police shootings and other controversial – and sometimes deadly – interactions.
“I see these kids and they’re like, ‘Yeah, eff the cops.’ I’m like, no, no, no young brother. That’s not what we’re saying here. We have full respect for all police officers,” Carbajal said. “Here is this message, and what I want you to get out of it is inform yourself.”
If you look very closely on Carbajal’s apparel, you’ll see cameras, cell phones and other devices used to “shoot cops,” but not everyone appreciates his play on words.
Retired Metro Police Lt. Randy Sutton – although he respects his right to free speech – has some concerns about Carbajal’s choice of words.
“He’s playing word games and, as far as I’m concerned, what he’s advocating is violence towards the police,” Sutton said. “Somehow, it became socially acceptable within the last year or so to be disrespectful to a police officer.”
Carbajal, who said he is doing what he can to ensure his message isn’t skewed, has sold more than 100 “Shoot Cops” shirts in the last year and a half.
“It’s beyond disturbing; it’s insulting,” Sutton added. “It’s camouflage. His message isn’t about shoot the police with a camera. It’s lies. It’s garbage. It’s trash. It’s a lie.”
[ Las Vegas Now ]
The post ‘Shoot Cops’ shirt does not promote violence, says the man selling them (VIDEO) appeared first on Guns.com.