Black Veteran in Miami Ambushed by Police: A Triggering Encounter

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration and fireworks, but for many veterans, the sounds of explosions can trigger traumatic memories. For one Black veteran in Miami, Naomi Simmons, the sudden ambush by police at her home brought back feelings of fear and anxiety.

Simmons was at home with her young daughter when she heard a loud bang on her daughter’s window. When she opened the door, she was met with two armed men who identified themselves as Miami-Dade police officers. They were looking for a man named Marquise Wiley, who had an active warrant for a felony gun charge. To Simmons’ shock, they claimed that Wiley’s address was the same as hers, even though she had been living there for over a year.

After the officers left without finding Wiley, Simmons did her own research and discovered that he was actually in Broward County Jail. This incident left Simmons shaken, especially considering her PTSD from serving in Afghanistan. She expressed frustration and fear, citing the dangers faced by people who look like her when police show up at the wrong house.

This incident is reminiscent of the tragic death of Breonna Taylor in 2020, where a botched drug raid led to her being shot and killed by police. Simmons’ experience highlights the ongoing issue of police misconduct and the need for accountability in law enforcement. As she continues to seek answers and justice, Simmons hopes that her story will shed light on the dangers faced by marginalized communities at the hands of law enforcement.