Protestors support Dorner in rally at LA Police Headquarters
Several dozen protestors rallied outside of Los Angeles police headquarters in support of ex-cop Chris Dorner whose murder spree ended when he took his own life after being cornered by police in a cabin on Big Bear Lake.
Dozens of protesters rallied outside Los Angeles police headquarters Saturday in support of Christopher Dorner, the former LAPD officer and suspected killer of four who died after a shootout and fire this week at a mountain cabin following one of the biggest manhunts in recent memory.
Protesters told the Los Angeles Times they didn't support Dorner's deadly methods, but objected to police corruption and brutality, and believed Dorner's claims of racism and unfair treatment by the department. Many said they were angered by the conduct of the manhunt that led to Dorner's death and injuries to innocent bystanders who were mistaken for him.
Michael Nam, 30, who held a sign with a flaming tombstone and the inscription "RIP Habeas Corpus," said it was "pretty obvious" police had no intention of bringing Dorner in alive.
"They were the judge, the jury and the executioner," Nam said. "As an American citizen, you have the right to a trial and due process by law."
During the hunt for Dorner, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck called for Dorner's surrender and said he didn't want to see the suspect or anyone else injured.
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The 33-year-old has already inspired a burgeoning subculture of followers. While most don't condone killing, they see him as an outlaw hero who raged against powerful forces of authority, and some even question whether he really died.
Tributes include a ballad titled "El Matapolicias," or "The Police Killer," penned by a Mexican crooner with lyrics paying homage to Dorner, and a YouTube clip showing excerpts from a video game titled "Christopher Dorner's Last Stand Survival Game" whose opening frame declares him "A True American Hero."
The rally was organized via Facebook on a page headlined "I support Christopher Jordan Dorner." The protestors claim not to support killing people - so they say. It is an interesting ethical question how you can support the message without supporting the method a murderer uses to get that message out.
One enlightened demonstrator said, "Murder is never right, but neither is the law when it's unjust," said Tovar, 18. She said police need to know they "can't get away with everything."
Apparently, if you are on the side of righteousness, you should be able to get away with murder.