Oklahoma Cop Charged In Killing Black Man Given Permission To Vacation In Bahamas

Deputy Bob Bates, left. Police kneeing Eric Harris in the head after being shot by Bob Bates.

Charged in the death of Eric Harris, Deputy Bob Bates gets permission to go to the Bahamas

byShaun King

This is what white privilege looks like.

Charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Eric Harris, millionaire Deputy Bob Bates was just given permission to travel out of the country on vacation to the Bahamas.

A lawyer for the Harris family, Dan Smolen, said he was not surprised that Bates had pleaded not guilty — but he was surprised about the vacation.

"Whether intended or not, Mr. Bates' vacationing in the Bahamas at this time sends a message of apathy with respect to the shooting and Eric's life," he said. "At a time when we are still mourning the death of a loved one that he shot down in the street, Mr. Bates will be relaxing and enjoying his wealth and privilege."

The Bahamas should absolutely deny Bates entry into the country. If he's already there, the government should ask him to leave.

How preposterous is it that a millionaire is allowed to leave the country with such a serious charge and case looming?