After weeks of mounting protest, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to grant clemency for Crips co-founder Stanley “Tookie” Williams.
Williams will be executed shortly after midnight PST.
Actor Jamie Foxx has recently become an advocate for Williams’ clemency. Foxx starred in a bio pic about Tookie’s life titled Redemption.
“We ask Arnold Schwarzenegger in a very humble way to please grant him clemency – not get him out of jail; people got it confused,” he said in a statement. ”“He’s not gonna get out of jail, he’s still going to be in San Quentin, but allow him to keep inspiring these kids.”
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One concern from LA city officials are outbreaks of violence in the event of Tookie’s execution. Police and other community officials are on alert, although no specific threats have been made public to the media.
“We have information there were planned and intentioned acts of violence that could occur in the wake of the decision or the execution planned for Stan Tookie Williams,”Robin Toma, executive director of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission said in a statement.
However, everyone is not supporting the theory of a riot from minority communities.
“Everyone is so worried that Black and brown people are going to riot if Williams is executed. I’m not. I’m more worried that white people are going to start a riot when he’s given clemency,” local activist Jasmyne Cannick says.
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Violent reactions are also a concern in several California jails.
Foxx who visited Tookie last Wednesday noted that his demeanor was ”calm and optimistic” and even that Tookie spoke of the future, beyond his December 13 execution date.
“He said, don’t worry about me. He said God has a plan for me, whether it happens or it doesn’t. I feel great. But hopefully, I’ll be able to talk to you next weekend.”
Source: EURweb.com
