"Don’t Shoot!" - Ferguson Protest Cartoon by Steve Sack #1556996 (License: Personal Use)

The cartoon features a heavily armed police officer labeled “Ferguson” pointing a weapon while shouting “DON’T SHOOT!”-ironically echoing the pleas of unarmed civilians with hands raised. A journalist marked “MEDIA” films the scene, underscoring the role of press in documenting systemic injustice. Created by Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist Steve Sack, it critiques the contradictions in law enforcement rhetoric and action during civil unrest.

Used in news articles, op-eds, and educational resources about police brutality, racial justice movements, and media coverage of protests; aligns with user intent to understand historical context or analyze visual rhetoric in social commentary.