Residents find common ground between police, shooting victim

Lori Adams, left, talks with Don Ailsworth, right, at a rally to support police officers Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, in Tulsa, Okla. Ailsworth is a former member of the Los Angeles Police Department. About a dozen supporters were at the rally.
Lori Adams, left, talks with Don Ailsworth, right, at a rally to support police officers Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, in Tulsa, Okla. Ailsworth is a former member of the Los Angeles Police Department. About a dozen supporters were at the rally.

TULSA, Okla.-Two competing rallies over the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by a white Oklahoma police officer could have left residents with the difficult choice of which to attend. But some residents said Tuesday it was possible to support both the police and the victim.

Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the death of 40-year-old Terence Crutcher. The shooting was recorded on police cameras.

The Rev. Al Sharpton led hundreds of Crutcher supporters in a rally and march in downtown Tulsa. Blocks away, residents rallied to support Shelby.

Black resident Don Ailsworth attended the Shelby rally and planned to go to the Crutcher rally.

He says residents shouldn't have to choose between supporting one over the other and that common ground can be found.

Upcoming Events