On November 23, 2012, an African American teenager named Jordan Davis stopped at a gas station with three of his friends to buy gum. As he waited in the parking lot, an altercation ensued with another driver, 45-year-old Michael Dunn, over the volume of the music playing in Davis’ car. This altercation ended with Dunn firing 10 shots into the car, killing Davis, and fleeing from the scene. Dunn was ultimately apprehended and charged with Davis’ murder and, at trial, attempted to use the shield of Florida’s expansive “stand your ground” law to justify his actions as reasonable self-defense. Two years and two trials later, Dunn was finally convicted for Davis’ murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The HBO Documentary film“3 ½ Minutes, Ten Bullets” tells the story of the murder of Jordan Davis, the trials of his murderer, and the aftermath of yet another incident of racial bias and gun violence in America. It explores the dangerous impact of “stand your ground” laws and gives voice to the devastating effect of gun violence on families and communities across the United States.
Please join the Center for American Progress’ Reel Progress for a screening of this film followed by a panel discussion with the parents of Jordan Davis, Lucia McBath and Ron Davis.
Premiering on HBO on November 23rd.
Welcoming Remarks:
Todd A. Cox, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Distinguished panelists:
Ron Davis, Father of Jordan Davis
Lucia McBath, Mother of Jordan Davis
Moderated by:
Chelsea Parsons, Vice President, Guns and Crime Policy, Center for American Progress