‘What the hell are you gonna do, shoot me?’ – Black senator slams intimidating colleague in gun law debate

It was all fireworks at the Arkansas State Capitol on Wednesday when Democratic Senator Stephanie Flowers in a debate vehemently opposed a “stand your ground” bill that was introduced by a Republican Senator.

According to Senator Flowers, who was the only black person on the 8-member committee, the bill, which proposes the “use of physical force in defense of a person” will not favour people of colour as they are most likely to fall victim to people who may senselessly abuse the law. She, therefore, called for more time to debate.

“It doesn’t take much to look on the local news and see how many black kids, black boys, black men are being killed with these ‘stand your ground’ defenses that these people raise, then they get off. So I take issue with that. I’m the only person here of color, OK? I am a mother, too. And I have a son. And I care as much for my son as y’all care for y’all. But, my son doesn’t walk the same path as yours does, so this debate deserves more time,” she started.

She then went ahead to talk about the regularity of killings in her city of Pine Bluff and how she worries about her son and other black people. She also condemned people who openly carry weapons in front of the courthouse.

“I worry about my son, and I worry about other little black boys and girls. And people coming into my neighborhood, into my city, saying they got open-carry rights walking down in front of my doggone office in front of the courthouse. That’s a bully!

“Do I have a right to stand my ground with some crazy ass person walking around with a doggone gun? I don’t know what the hell he intends to do, but I know I am scared, I feel threatened, just like some of y’all walking around up here in the legislature with these damn guns,” she continued venting her anger.

In an attempt to cut in, Republican Senator Alan Clark told her to stop talking but it only charged her up.

“Senator, you need to stop talking,” he said.

“No, I don’t!” Flowers replied.

“Yes, you do,” he countered.

“No, I don’t,” Flowers said. “What the hell you going to do, shoot me?”

Flowers’ fiery opposition was eventually rewarded as the committee voted 4-3 against the bill, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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