Friday, March 29, 2024

Judge in Amber Guyger Trial Defends Hugging Killer Ex-cop at Sentencing

*Judge Tammy Kemp has finally addressed her decision to give ex-cop and convicted murderer Amber Guyger a hug and a bible after she was sentenced to ten years for fatally shooting her unarmed neighbor Botham Jean in his own apartment.  

“Following my own convictions, I could not refuse that woman a hug. I would not,” Kemp told the Associated Press. “And I don’t understand the anger. And I guess I could say if you profess religious beliefs and you are going to follow them, I would hope that they not be situational and limited to one race only.”

“She asked me if I thought that God could forgive her and I said, ‘Yes, God can forgive you and has,’” she added.

We previously reported… after delivering a victim impact statement to Guyger, Brandt Jean, the victim’s younger brother, asked Judge Kemp if he could hug Botham’s killer.

“If you truly are sorry, I know I can speak for myself, I forgive you. I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you,” said Brandt during his statement.

Kemp granted the young man’s request, and he and Guyger embraced. Judge Kemp also hugged Guyger and gave her a bible.

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Botham Jean - Amber Guyger
Botham Jean – Amber Guyger

“This is your job,” the judge said, opening the book and mentioning John 3:16. “You just need a tiny mustard seed of faith,” the judge said. “You start with this.”

Many believe the judge acted unprofessional by hugging a murderer, and Black Twitter dubbed her: Judge Mammy Tammy.

Inquiring minds also want to know: “Has anyone ever seen a White judge hug a Black defendant, especially one that murdered someone?”

Meanwhile, Kemp believes her actions were acceptable because the hug came after all official proceedings had been completed.

“I’m surprised that people think that hug was somehow detrimental,” Kemp told the Associated Press. “Had you witnessed the person who was hurting as Miss Guyger was, I don’t know a person who would have denied her that human contact.”

Kemp said Guyver asked her “If I thought her life could still have purpose, and I said absolutely.” The judge then said she went to get her bible and encouraged Guyger to read specific bible verses.

“And then she requested of me, a hug. And, I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t say yes right away,” Kemp said. “She asked me a second time and between those asks I was reminded about my responsibility to show love and compassion.”

 

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