What If...?

BBC: 22 July, 2005 - Man shot dead by police on Tube - Police have said they shot a man dead at Stockwell Tube station in south London after he was challenged and refused to obey an order.

Guardian Unlimited: 24 July, 2005 - Man shot in terror hunt was innocent young Brazilian - The dead man, killed at Stockwell tube station on Friday after fleeing from armed police, was named as 27-year-old Jean Charles de Menezes.

BBC: 24 July, 2005 - Debate rages over 'shoot-to-kill' - Current Met Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has apologised to Mr de Menezes' family and spoken of his "deep regrets", but defended the actions of his officers.

I'm sorry about this. However, I don't think the police should take full responsibility of this mistake. The policy and the action was right. It's unfair to blame them under that kind of circumstance. What if he was a real suicide bomber? What if he was planning to blow himself up on the tube? Then how many people would be rescued by the action of the police to shoot the man? I know the mistake is a tragedy, but it will also be a tragedy if the 'suspect' produces another blast.

Why shot five times in the head? It's the only way to stop suicide bombers to activate a device. (Also you can't shoot him in the chest where the bomb will most likely to be.) Don't consider it cruel. People read what witnesses said and judge the thing. I know witnesses were compeletly terrified, but I think they should understand that the police were trying to protect everyone there and the tactic was right.

I do feel sorry for the man's families and friends. But what I concern more is the police. Have you ever thought about the feeling of that officer who shot the man? He must feel regret and guilty of shooting an innocent person dead. Yes, he has made a mistake, but actually he has to remember this for all his life. It's a punishment already. Just don't add more pressure on him.

You know what? The terrorists are smiling now. They love to see chaos. It's not the time for briton to divide, to feel confused, to question themselves. They must show their unity to defeat terrorism.