A Louisiana deputy ended his own life Monday after uploading multiple videos on social media discussing how working behind the scenes in law enforcement affected his mental health as a Black man.
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43-year-old Deputy Clyde Kerr III of Lafayette Parish said in the videos that he “had enough of serving a system that does not give a damn” about him and black people in the United States. He also discussed his feelings regarding the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Botham Jean, and Trayford Pellerin. Kerr also served in the military and said his experience made him see things in a different way.
“I passed security clearance in the military… but that has allowed me to see the inner workings of things,” he said. “And it has dawned on me… that they really don’t give a damn about us. That is the truth. I understand we have a tough job, but we signed up for this,” he continued. We need help. Because when you deal with the bottom rung of society, that does not give us an excuse to just do whatever you want; and that’s what we’re doing and we’re not being held accountable.”
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A statement was released by Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garner who confirmed Kerr’s passing.
“The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken to confirm the loss of a member of our LPSO family, who took his own life this morning. My heart goes out to his immediate family and to all of the brothers and sisters he has at the sheriff’s office. We will do everything in our power to support our employees as we all grieve.”
SOURCE: REVOLT