LeBron James deletes tweet on Columbus police shooting of teen, explains why

(WJW) — Los Angeles Lakers player and former Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James is making headlines Wednesday for a now-deleted social media post reacting to the deadly police shooting of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant.

On Wednesday, James tweeted a photo of the officer involved in the shooting with a caption reading “YOU’RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY.” The tweet has since been deleted.

Later, James shared his reasoning for the post.

“This isn’t about one officer,” he said. “It’s about the entire system and they always use our words to create more racism. I am so desperate for more ACCOUNTABILITY.”

James also added that he took down his original tweet because it was “being used to create more hate.”

Bryant was shot and killed by an officer on Legion Lane on the east side of Columbus Tuesday evening. Police responded to the scene after a caller told 911 dispatchers someone was trying to stab her. It is not known who made that call.

Video from body-worn cameras shows the teen, armed with a knife, try to stab two others, according to police. The officer can be heard yelling, “Get down” repeatedly before firing four shots. Officials say they do not have the information right now to determine what would have happened if the officer had not fired those shots.

This incident remains under investigation. Ohio BCI is conducting a criminal investigation, while the Columbus Division of Police does an administrative review.