What's happened
Michael Duarte, a popular social media chef with over 2 million followers, died on November 8 in Texas after a police shooting. Authorities responded to a report of a man threatening with a knife, leading to Duarte charging at an officer and being shot. His family calls it a 'horrible accident.'
What's behind the headline?
The incident highlights the ongoing debate over police use of force, especially in cases involving mental health or erratic behavior. Duarte's social media fame and recent personal milestones contrast sharply with the violent end, raising questions about police protocols in such situations. The family’s characterization of the event as a 'horrible accident' suggests a narrative of tragedy rather than misconduct, but the details of the police response remain under scrutiny. This case underscores the need for clearer guidelines and training for officers dealing with individuals exhibiting erratic behavior, especially in the context of mental health crises. The story also reflects the broader societal challenge of balancing public safety with individual rights, particularly in incidents involving social media personalities who are widely loved and followed.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Duarte's family describes his death as a 'horrible accident' and notes his social media influence and personal background. The NY Post provides details of the police response, including the report that Duarte charged at the officer after being warned multiple times, leading to the shooting. Both sources emphasize Duarte's social media following and his recent personal milestones, but differ slightly in their framing—The Independent focusing on the family’s perspective and the NY Post on police actions. The coverage illustrates how different outlets frame the incident—either as a tragic accident or a justified police response—highlighting the complexity of public perception and the importance of transparency in law enforcement.
How we got here
Duarte, known as 'FoodWithBearHands,' built a following sharing cooking videos. He grew up in California, working in restaurants before transitioning to social media during the COVID-19 pandemic. His death occurred shortly after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary, and his family is raising funds for his wife and daughter.
Go deeper
More on these topics