‘Breathe Easy Don’t Break The Law’ T-Shirts Sparks Backlash For Indiana Police Officer


“Breathe Easy Don’t Break The Law” T-shirts have sparked backlash against Indiana police officer Jason Barthel, who created the design. The Mishawaka police officer said the Breathe Easy T-shirts were designed to reassure the public and not to “slam” Eric Garner and the “I Can’t Breathe” chant used by Black Lives Matter protesters.

Jason Barthel owns and operates the South Bend Uniform Company in Indiana. The Breathe Easy Don’t Break The Law T-shirts sell for $7.95 online. A post on the South Bend Uniform Company Facebook page on December 14, instantly sparked controversy.

“I just designed my own version of a shirt that is absolutely necessary right now. Happy to print as many of these as people will wear. Let me know how many to get for any of your agencies!! $7.95 each for sizes up to XL and $9.95 each for 2Xl – 3XL,” the Jason Barthel tweet said.

The following day, a post addressing the backlash over the Breathe Easy Don’t Break The Law T-shirts was also published on the South Bend Uniform Company Facebook page.

“For those upset, please understand when we use the slogan ‘Breathe Easy’ we are referring to knowing the police are there for you! We are one people, one nation, regardless of race, religion, creed, or gender. We are all in this together. The police are here to protect and serve. 99.9% of us have the greater good in our hearts each time we strap on our uniforms and duty belts We are all one people and this is by no means is a slam on Eric Garner or his family, God rest his soul. Let’s all band together as AMERICANS regardless of our feelings and know we can and will be better! Thank you for your support.”

More than 100 Breathe Easy Don’t Break The Law T-shirts were reportedly sold online over the course of several days.

South Bend District Council President Oliver Davis said, “We believe that people should be able to breathe easy no matter what they’re doing. Police should not take the right to breathe into their own hands.”

During an interview with the New York Daily News, Davis added, “It [Breathe Easy T-shirt] has a strong message to people to let them know that justice is not fair. People need the right to breathe easy no matter where we are in life and the justice system should be the ones to deal with that, not just the police officers.”

What do you think about the Breathe Easy Don’t Break The Law T-Shirts?

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