Count Drake among those aghast over the shooting of Alton Sterling.
The 37-year old was shot and killed during an altercation with police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Tuesday.
The father of five had been selling CDs outside a convenience store when officers responded to a 911 call that said a man with a gun had threatened someone in the parking lot.
Authorities are looking into the incident, but the following footage has been made public.
And it appears to show officers pinning Sterling to the ground prior to any shots being fired.
In response to the tragedy, a multitude of stars have expressed their shock and outrage on social media (see gallery below), with Drake now taking his reaction even further than a basic Tweet.
He has penned an emotional letter and shared it on Instagram.
“I am grateful to be able to call America my second home,” wrote the Canadian, adding:
“Last night when I saw the video of Alton Sterling being killed it left me feeling disheartened, emotional and truly scared. I woke up this morning with a strong need to say something.”
The singer continued as follows:
It’s impossible to ignore that the relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it was decades ago. No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.
This is real and I’m concerned. Concerned for the safety of my family, my friends and any human being that could fall victim to this pattern. I do not know the answer.
But I believe things can change for the better. Open and honest dialogue is the first step.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sterling family and any family that has lost someone to this cycle of violence.
Be safe out there. More life.
The Justice Department has said it will look into the shooting.
Here is a screen shot of Drake’s letter. What do you think of it?
And here is a look at Alton Sterling before he was killed:
