Kansas City Postmortem: Accusing Andrew Lester Of Racism Isn't Justice

Andrew Lester was a sickly looking 86-year-old veteran when he died after pleading guilty to a 2023 shooting involving a teen who knocked at his door late on a Summer night. 

The narrative surrounding the case was racially charged, evoked a national media response, local protesters and sparked social media sensation around the world. 

Our friend Super Dave sent a note our way and we wanted to share a critical passage . . .

"The Yarl family and the media were all quick to make this a racial issue with words of white man shooting unarmed black kid being said and in print everywhere. They still want to say "another child harmed by prejudice".

"I never saw this as a white/black issue. I saw it for what it was, a very bad incident that could have probably been avoided but wasn't."

For the most part we agree with Dave but here's what we need to drive home . . .

THERE WAS NEVER ANY EVIDENCE THE SHOOTING WAS RACIALLY MOTIVATED OR THAT LESTER WAS A HATER!!!

In fact . . .

Immediately after the shooting, court dox reveal Mr. Lester was concerned with the fate of the youngster and asked multiple times about his well-being. 

Now, after his demise . . . Unsatisfied with the outcome . . . The family might be entitled to share frustration but are CLEARLY in the wrong by demonizing Mr. Lester in death. 

A recent statement following the death of Andrew Lester is nothing more than irresponsible conjecture that doesn't offer one shred of evidence in alleging that the shooting was the result of "prejudice" or that the gunfire was motivated by "skin color."

And here's the real danger . . . 

BLINDLY ACCEPTING RACIALLY-CHARGED ALLEGATIONS IS A DISSERVICE TO KANSAS CITY & OUR UNDERSTANDING OF JUSTICE!!!

Yes, Andrew Lester was guilty of second degree felony assault. He should NOT have shot that kid and the situation speaks to heightened levels of anxiety that have become pervasive throughout our society amid constant culture war and political discord. 

However . . . 

Branding Mr. Lester as a racist isn't just irresponsible, the statement overlooks the obvious challenges confronted by an elderly man, struggling with a myriad of health issues, living by himself and alarmed by an unexpected stranger at his door.

In fact, the reckless allegations of racism leveled against Andrew Lester in death only serve to escalate the level of strife in Kansas City. The constant urge to disparage one another rather than seeking common ground, understanding and progress against gun violence is ultimately self-destructive and sends us all hurling toward a downward spiral of hatred. 

There's a reason why so many people dread what might come to their door every night. In the end, we're all confronted by FEAR that is constantly exploited in order to gain advantage, power and consent. 

Nevertheless . . .

As always, TKC shares the other side of the story for balance and juxtaposition . . . 

The Yarl family said the news of Lester's passing brought up mixed emotions. They shared the below statement . . .

"The news of Andrew Lester’s passing brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice. One of the reasons we pushed for a speedy trial was to ensure the public would see that our society does not condone shooting an unarmed, innocent child simply for ringing the wrong doorbell—especially when that child was targeted because of the color of his skin.

"For nearly two years, Andrew Lester never apologized. Instead, he and his attorney used every legal maneuver possible to delay accountability. Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system. While Lester finally admitted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling.

"Some may see Lester’s passing as a form of consequence for his actions, but the reality remains: Ralph Yarl survived, yet justice was never truly served. He has a lifetime ahead to carry the trauma of that night while the man responsible escaped sentencing.

"We remain committed to seeking a world where no child fears for their life because of their race and no family has to endure what we have. Ralph’s story is far from over, and neither is our fight for justice."

Developing . . .