Shaun KingVerified account

1. An essential feature of white privilege is relative freedom from the harsh consequences of significant mistakes. //THREAD on the Texas church shooter Devin Kelley.

2. Long before Devin Kelley walked into the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas - his violence was well known and copiously documented. This was a singular consequence of his white privilege.

3. In 2012, Devin Kelly beat his stepson so severely he fractured his skull with what the Air Force called: “a force likely to produce death or grievous bodily harm.” The chief prosecutor in the case said that Kelley openly admitted to the abuse.

4. For deliberately fracturing the skull of an infant and physically beating his wife, Devin Kelley spent 12 months in "confinement." I have friends who've done YEARS for selling weed to friends and family. Think of Meek Mill right now.

5. After Devin Kelley fractured his stepson's skull, he was supposed to lose his right to purchase firearms. He didn't. The Air Force claims they forgot to file the paperwork.

6. Over the past 5 years, police have REGULARLY been called on Devin Kelley for domestic violence. He was accused sexual assault/rape.

7. In Colorado, neighbors called the police on Devin Kelley because they saw him literally punching his dog right in its face. Police did nothing. For domestic violence, rape, cruelty to animals... Devin Kelley KEPT GETTING A BREAK.

8. The United States criminal justice system had, to my knowledge, 7 different chances to stop Devin Kelley before he slaughtered 26 people and shot 20 others. Each time - he got a pass. This pass is the root of white privilege.

9. America's jails and prisons are full of Black and Brown bodies who never got the repeated breaks and passes and second chances that Devin Kelley received.

10. Then, having fractured the skull of a child, having beaten women in multiple states, having been seen beating animals, accused of rape, Devin Kelley not only bought an assault rifle and 500 rounds of ammunition. HE POSTED IT ALL ON FACEBOOK.

11. This nation had already taught Devin Kelley a very clear lesson. His violence against babies, against women, against animals - would always be treated with a wink and a nod. So he made no effort to hide it.

12. Consequently - dozens of people who knew Devin Kelley have now openly said what he did didn't surprise them even a little. America made Devin Kelley and white privilege gave him break after break.

13. Final point. Even in death, Devin Kelley is given white privilege. He's not called a monster or an animal - even though he was a horrible, violent man for years on end. This is an exclusive function of his whiteness. //End of thread.