Facebook live-streaming was used by Michael Kevin Bautista to broadcast the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of five policemen and the injury of several others during a protest march on July 7 in Dallas, Texas.
The controversial Facebook video clip has been viewed more than 3 million times and the number of views is still rising. Viewers saw the shock in Bautista's face as they heard shots being fired. He then directed his smartphone's camera towards the police officers hiding behind their vehicles. Some of the officers seem to be lying down.
The video lasts for more than 2 minutes and describes the scene he is witnessing. He said that the police were trading shots with an unseen sniper. He also told his viewers that the authorities "were moving in to get someone." Bautista assured his viewers that he is safe but was later told to move away.
David Brown, the Dallas Chief of Police, later told the press that his policemen were attacked by several suspects using heavy firearms, according to CNET. He also reported that there are two suspects in custody. One voluntarily surrendered while the other was caught after a gunfight with authorities. A package was also seized from the second suspect. The Dallas police are also using its Twitter account to give updates in this recent explosion of violence against them.
As per 12News, another Facebook video was also posted showing the panic that ensued among the protest marchers as they heard the gunshots. The demonstrators were protesting against police brutality particularly towards African-Americans.
Facebook recently launched this new service to help users record the most memorable moments in their lives. But the live-streaming feature had also shown some shocking scenes and images.
In an earlier incident, a Minnesota woman was able to use Facebook live-stream to record and broadcast the shooting of his boyfriend by the local police.
