Seattle BLM protester Summer Taylor, 24, dies after car rams crowd, Angry Internet slams those defending driver
Less than 24 hours since being struck by a car that ploughed into a crowd of Black Lives Matter demonstrators in Seattle, 24-year-old Summer Taylor succumbed to their injuries. Shortly after 1 am on Saturday, a car drove into demonstrators in a closed-off section of Interstate 5. Dawit Kelete, 27, the driver of the Jaguar, sped off from the scene but was later apprehended by the police.
The police are trying to figure out the motive behind the killing, but so far have ruled out impairment. They also can't tell how he got on to the interstate when it was closed by state patrol for over an hour before the protestors were hit by his car.
Taylor worked at a veterinary clinic and is described as "an incredibly strong and independent spirit". "Summer is a bright and caring person whose presence elicits joy and laughter in others", the GoFundMe account, which has raised more than $40,000, reads.
Taylor wasn't the only one injured by Kelete's rampant driving. Diaz Love, 32, was also struck in the hit-and-run. They were filming a Facebook Live when the car sped through the crowd. They are in serious condition at the Harborview Medical Centre.
Following Taylor's demise, Twitter is left feeling restless, saddened and angry. "Heartbreaking to hear that one of the protesters hit in Seattle last night has died rest in peace Summer Taylor," tweeted one. "My heart is full of nothing but love and respect for Summer Taylor, rest in peace angel, i promise your death wasn't in vain :(" added another.
There are many who are defending driver in the face of the protests. "The victim who died today, Summer Taylor, was a friend from high school. Anyone who wants to support that fucking driver? Or the WA State Patrol who were victim-blaming the entire time? Ya'll can kiss my f***ing fist," tweeted an angry user.
"A brief reminder that is illegal in all 50 states to hit pedestrians with your car. No ifs, ands, or buts. They always have the right of way, no matter what, and there is no justifying the death of Summer Taylor, who was hit on a CLOSED highway," added another.
But the fight goes on. "Their name was Summer Taylor. They were twenty-four years old. They were murdered in cold blood. Remember what they died for. Keep marching. Keep protesting. No justice, no peace. #seattleprotest #seattleprotests".