Unarmed White Man Killed by Alabama Police; No Protests, No Riots, No National Media

Police in the small Alabama town of Dothan shot and killed an unarmed white man Tuesday who resisted arrest after refusing to show ID when turning in a stray animal to an animal shelter.

Robert Lawrence, who police say called himself a ‘sovereign citizen’ but which his lawyer disputes, was reportedly accompanied by a woman and children at the time.

Dothan First reported Lawrence became ‘combative’ when asked to produce identification at the animal shelter. Police reportedly first tazed Lawrence to no effect, he was then shot in the abdomen. There is no mention of Lawrence being armed.

Lawrence was taken to the hospital where he died Tuesday night.

The Dothan Eagle reported the Alabama State Bureau of Investigations is reviewing the shooting death.

Dothan First reported Lawrence had a troubled history, having served ninety days in jail this year for making “Harassing Communications.”

Lawrence’s attorney Terry Bullard called the killing of his client “needless” but did not fault the officer who shot Lawrence.

““He never threatened to kill anyone,” said Dothan attorney Terry Bullard who represented Lawrence in several legal matters including the terror threat charge. Bullard said his client was upset because DHR had taken his three children.

“Bullard believe the shooting could have been avoided calling it “needless.” However, he doesn’t fault the police officer who he calls a “professional.” WDHN/DothanFirst.com is not making the name of the officer public at this time. “It’s sad for Lawrence’s family as well as the officer,” Bullard said.

“He admits Lawrence often challenged authority though Bullard rejects the notion he was a sovereign citizen as claimed by police. “He was also respectable toward others and I considered him a friend as well as a client,” Bullard said.”

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