A video has just gone viral on TikTok, showing people pulling over to make sure that a black woman who was stopped by Missouri police was treated fairly.
The media is calling the recording "a document of increased awareness and agency" in police interactions, as citizens come together in "a touching and essential" example of communal accountability for each other.
Posted by @sheniweird 4 days ago, the caption reads: "We have to start policing the police until things start making sense. In today's world, it's still unfair so here go!"
The video begins with the videographer backing up her car to get a better view of the developing situation.
Multiple police units pulled over a dark sedan on a highway in Missouri
It is a person's constitutional right to videotape or photograph things that are plainly visible in public spaces. That includes capturing the work of police officers.
"When I see a young African American woman screaming for help," the TikToker explained in captions and voiceovers, "And it's 3 to 4 White Police with guns drawn on her, and she’s unarmed, you damn right I’m showing up and showing out until I find out what it’s all about."
"We need answers every time. She deserves the same respect homegrown terrorists got. You’re not just gone shoot her over a traffic violation. Not today."
Eventually, multiple drivers noticed what was happening and they let the police know there were eyes (and lenses) watching.
"When I pulled over, everyone pulled over," the TikToker said.
As she walked up, a white man in a Subaru (who had also been recording) gave her a thumbs up, indicating that everything is under control.
So a string of cars stopped near the scene, making sure the officers dealt with the woman appropriately
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Image credits: sheniweird
Police activity has been in the spotlight in the US for quite some time now, as the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement continues to protest against police brutality and racially charged violence against black people in general.
Missouri is one of the states that saw its fair share of unrest. On August 10, 2014, the day after the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson, the town of Ferguson erupted in riots and looting.
Most of the people in the comments applauded the efforts of the passers-by who may have helped keep the woman unharmed.
So far, it's still unclear which police department was involved.
Here's what people said after watching the video
