By: Kaelei Whitlatch and Lenise Murphy

Antwon Rose was a 17 year old Woodland Hills student who was shot and killed by police in East Pittsburgh. Police linked the car he and two others were in to a shooting earlier on June 19. When confronted by officers, Rose ran out of the car and officers began to shoot, and his injuries lead to his death. This event has led to many protests in the city of Pittsburgh daily; the most impactful of these protests was the closure of the Parkway East on June 21.

Citizens of Pittsburgh in Market Square on June 25 had many varying opinions when it came to the story of Rose. The following is a Q&A between Point Park Summer Journalism Workshop students and three individuals of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.

How do you feel about the Antwon Rose situation?

“It’s such a tragedy. It’s a sad reminder that in too many cases law officers do not think about    the humanity of individuals,” said Scott R., 43, of South Side.

“Why are the police so silent (about the shooting)? Everyone is jumping to conclusions,” Kevin of Mt. Washington said. “If he was actually involved, I would lose sympathy for him. In that case, he was attempting murder and then running from the police.”

“My heart goes out to (Rose’s) mother, but this is just an awful situation. There is no winner in this,” Patti of Mt. Washington said.

Why do you think Antwon Rose was shot by police?

“Not much has been said of the shooting that he may have been involved in,” Kevin said. “The cop had every reason to believe it was him.”

“The officer involved was acting upon prejudice,” Scott R. said.

Are the protesters’ upset about Antwon Rose justified?

“I don’t think you should get upset unless you know the facts,” said Kevin.

“It was a clear case of racial bias and should be taken seriously by leaders,” Scott R. said.