We exist in a ceaseless state of trepidation, constantly worried about the consequences of advocating for our rights as Americans. We bear the burden of trauma from witnessing the assaults on and murders of Black individuals, so frequently overlooked that these stories rarely make the evening news. The chilling sentiment that encapsulates today’s America can be summed up in six words: “It does not change my life.” In essence, whatever happens to you, dear Black person, will not affect me.
These words were uttered by a Virginia police officer to a man he had just sprayed with pepper spray. What should have been a routine traffic stop turned into a distressing reminder of how some police officers demonstrate a blatant disregard for Black lives.
According to reports, an unarmed, Black and Latino Army Lieutenant named David Martinez was pulled over on December 5, 2020, in a small Virginia town near Norfolk. He was never informed of the reason for the stop. In just three minutes, a Black man’s life was precariously balanced between life and death for no justifiable reason. Only now, as Lt. Martinez files a lawsuit against the police department for alleged excessive force used during the traffic stop, has the video come to light. This incident will now be scrutinized in the court of public opinion.
Lt. Martinez’s lawsuit seeks $1 million in damages, claiming excessive force was applied by Officers Sam Roberts and Alex Miller. The video evidence, however, clearly indicates that excessive force was indeed used, reminiscent of the cases of George Floyd, Philando Castile, Pamela Turner, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, and Daniel Prude — the list continues to grow.
Lieutenant Martinez was terrified for his life. When he expressed, “I am afraid,” one officer replied, “You should be.” This is the reality we face in America. With guns drawn, commands were barked for him to “get out of the car.” As he activated his phone to record, one can only imagine he was preparing to document what could have been a tragic ending. Thankfully, he survived, but the video remains excruciating to watch.
The officers shouted at Lt. Martinez, who calmly inquired, “What is happening?” seeking clarity on why he was stopped, instructed to place his hands out of the window, and ordered to exit the vehicle. He was aware of his rights as a Black citizen in a society where officers often shoot first and try to justify their actions later, as seen when Officers Roberts and Miller attempted to deflect blame onto Lt. Martinez.
Officer Sam Roberts told Lt. Martinez, “You made this much more difficult than it had to be. Get on the ground!” In that moment, Lt. Martinez was forcibly brought down by two armed officers. He bore no weapon and did not resist; he merely sought answers to their inquiries, which, had they been provided, could have diffused the tension.
As the video progresses, Officer Roberts again places blame on Lt. Martinez. The officer states, “There’s no need for this to be on your record. I don’t want it to be on your record. However, it’s entirely up to you. If you want to fight and argue — and I don’t mean that disrespectfully — you have that right as a citizen. If that’s what you want, we’ll charge you.” It remains uncertain what charges they could even bring, as he committed no offense. He only sought to understand the reason for his stop. The haunting memory of Sandra Bland’s traffic stop lingers. Should we not expect answers from law enforcement? The officer’s words are a classic example of a perpetrator shifting blame onto the victim, refusing to acknowledge his own accountability for inflicting harm without justification.
In the rapidly escalating footage, Lt. Martinez’s fear is palpable. You can hear it in his voice as he continues to ask, “Can you please explain what’s going on?” even with guns aimed at him. This traffic stop was far from about “protecting and serving” — there was no imminent threat to the officers or the community. They were intimidated by a man who did not immediately obey orders to exit his vehicle. He knew he should not have to leave his car during a routine stop and recognized that his life was at risk.
Even when handcuffed and lying face down on the ground, completely still, one’s life seems worthless. Just as the four Minneapolis officers involved in George Floyd’s death thought: If he lives or dies, it does not change my life. Black Americans are weary of hearing threats like “You’re fixin’ to ride the lightning, son,” which an officer directed at Lt. Martinez. In essence, the message conveyed was that he could die tonight — a clear threat, right?
Navigating America as a Black person, especially with violent officers like these, breeds an overwhelming sense of fear. Our society shows little concern for whether a Black man survives, whether a Black woman can peacefully rest at night, or whether a young Black teenager can stroll to the corner store without feeling endangered. These are fears that White Americans often cannot comprehend because — it does not change my life.
For a mother to bury her son or a child to grow up without their father due to the inhumane actions of someone in a position of authority — someone who is supposed to protect us — is an injustice to us all. Lieutenant Martinez is yet another victim of a racist and violent system. I hope that neither you nor your loved ones ever have to brace yourselves to record an assault or, worse, a murder.
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In summary, the disturbing reality of police interactions with Black individuals in America continues to evoke fear and trauma. The case of Lt. Martinez serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic issues that persist, making it crucial for society to confront these injustices and advocate for change.