After Ralph Yarl's shooting, Black Kansas Citians worry they're 'always going to be just Black’

As the 16-year-old recovers at home and the alleged shooter, Andrew D. Lester, awaits trial after pleading not guilty to two felony charges, a diverse group of residents showed up this week to protests. The case has reignited anger about race, guns and policing.
The week started with shock and grief as the city learned that a Black teenager, Ralph Yarl, a high school junior at Staley High School in Kansas City, had been shot in the head and arm as he rang the doorbell at the wrong house while trying to pick up his little brothers. Andrew D. Lester, the 84-year-old white homeowner, later told police he shot the 16-year-old because he was “scared to death.”

As details of the story emerged, shock and grief rapidly turned into outrage. Neighbors, activists, celebrities and public officials demanded an explanation for how a slight, unarmed 16-year-old, described as a good student and caring brother and son, could be seen as a threat, and why police allowed the alleged shooter to go free after less than two hours in custody.