Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Justice's recent decision to cancel police reform agreements with Minneapolis and Louisville has sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing issues of police violence and systemic abuse of power in American society [1][11]. Group 1: Police Violence Statistics - In 2024, at least 1,173 people in the U.S. were shot and killed by police, marking a historical high [1]. - Annually, at least 300,000 individuals are victims of police violence in the U.S. [1]. - The probability of Black individuals being shot and killed by police is 2.5 times that of white individuals from 2015 to 2024 [3]. Group 2: Historical Context of Police Violence - The origins of the U.S. police system trace back to the 18th century, initially established to control enslaved individuals and maintain social order for white property owners [4]. - Police violence is deeply rooted in systemic racism and class disparities, with impoverished communities facing a police violence death rate over three times higher than wealthier areas [4][5]. Group 3: Gun Culture and Police Militarization - The U.S. has the highest civilian gun ownership in the world, with estimates of 400 to 500 million guns in circulation as of 2024 [7]. - The prevalence of firearms is directly linked to police violence, with officers in states with lax gun control often resorting to extreme measures for self-protection [7][8]. - Police training increasingly focuses on firearms and self-defense, with less emphasis on conflict management and policing policies [7]. Group 4: Accountability Issues - There are significant challenges in holding police accountable for misconduct, with less than 2% of officers involved in fatal incidents facing criminal charges [9][10]. - The legal principle of "qualified immunity" allows police officers to evade accountability for actions unless they violate clearly established constitutional rights, creating a protective barrier for misconduct [10]. Group 5: Political Polarization and Reform Stagnation - The cancellation of police reform agreements reflects the broader political polarization in the U.S., where police reform has become a contentious issue between the two major parties [11][12]. - Despite public demand for police accountability and reform following the George Floyd incident, legislative progress has stalled, with both parties prioritizing electoral gains over substantive change [12][13].