As Rep. Engel listened, several dozen people related their anger and fear over the disrespect shown to them by the police. Many people named the killings of Amadou Diallo and Patrick Dorismond as being egregious examples of wrongful deaths of innocent people. One man said that certain bird species have more protections under law than African American males. Several mothers spoke of being fearful whenever their sons left the house, afraid they might become victims of a police shooting. Afterwards Rep. Engel said the anger and fear in the room was heartfelt.
Residents now see the police as possibly lethal antagonists.