Texas surgeon Dr. Brian Williams says that though he cared for the five police officers that were injured in the Dallas shooting, this doesn’t remove his preexisting fears.
“I want Dallas police also to see me, a black man, and understand that I support you, I will defend you and I will care for you. That doesn’t mean that I do not fear you,” he told reporters.
Last week 14 police officers and two civilians were shot by sniper Micah Xavier Johnson at a peaceful #BlackLivesMatter protest. Of those officers, seven were treated at Parkland Hospital where three died. According to Dallas News, Dr. Williams was in charge of the emergency room on that night.
At a press conference, Williams spoke to the complex situation that he faced as both a doctor and a black man.
“This experience has been very personal for me,” Williams said as he fought through tears. “The preceding days of more black men dying at the hands of more police officer affected me.”
He then pointed out that police officers themselves are not the sole problem as systemic racism is also to blame.
“I understand the anger and the frustration and distrust of law enforcement, but they are not the problem. The problem is the lack of open discussions about the impact of race relations in this country.”
Watch more of his hospital remarks below.
He later became emotional speaking with CNN’s Don Lemon about the low regard for life.
"I don't know why this has to be us against them" Dr. Brian Williams, @Parkland Surgeon https://t.co/WexgN8Jicd https://t.co/jJ8jALIzT5
— CNN Tonight (@CNNTonight) July 12, 2016
