Editor, Gazette-Journal:

While I am by no means a racist, it has become apparent that I do have an opinion as to what has been going on here within Hampton Roads with the shootings recently. Several weeks ago, York County deputies were faced with a life-or-death situation regarding the safety of a deputy on Fort Eustis Boulevard.

While I do not condone the use of deadly force, sometimes it becomes necessary to protect yourself all in the name of safety. It was a tragedy that the issue could not have been handled differently but the outcome however tragic resulted in the safety of citizens. Sheriff Diggs did an outstanding job in handling this matter and explaining the events that led up to the shooting in question, and no, the public does not need to see the tape from the body cam.

Meanwhile, in Newport News over the July 4th holiday, another police officer-involved shooting took place in the east end of Newport News. This was witnessed by three police officers and an impartial witn...