Ma’Khia Bryant, 16, of Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, United States was fatally shot by Columbus Division of Police officer Nicholas E. Reardon, 23, of Sunbury, Delaware County, Ohio on April 20, 2021. On the same day, Derek Michael Chauvin, 45, of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in George Floyd‘s death.

Bryant was trying to stab a female victim with a knife when she was shot four times by Reardon. Among those who were infuriated by the officer-involved shooting was National Basketball Association superstar LeBron James, 36, of Akron, Summit City, Ohio.

James took to Twitter to express his anger. The Los Angeles Lakers small forward tweeted Reardon’s photo and wrote in the caption “YOU’RE NEXT #ACCOUNTABILITY” and added an hourglass emoji.

The NBA star later deleted the tweet. In new tweets, he explained that he had to take it down because it was being used to create hate but clarified that he is still angry.

.

Born in Akron, James started playing organized basketball when he was in the fifth grade. He attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron where he played football.

In 2003, James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played for the team until 2010 when he joined the Miami Heat.

In 2014, James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2018, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers.

Among those who criticized James for defending Bryant was Candace Owens, 31. Here is what Owens had to say: