The Chicago police officer that used deadly force on Quintonio LeGrier along with the accidental shooting and death of a neighbor just after Christmas says he intends to file a lawsuit against the suspect’s estate. Officer Robert Rialmo alleges that he was forced to shoot the suspect after he swung a bat at him. The ensuing investigation and media attention has caused “emotional distress.”

The holiday shooting came after other high profile officer involved shootings in Chicago including the death of Laquan McDonald who was shot 16 times. Following the release of that footage, Chicago Superintendent Garry McCarthy was fired by Mayor Rahm Emannel.

There will no doubt be a backlash of media criticism for Officer Rialmo’s pending lawsuit but it is just as much his right to sue as that of any other citizen. Our officers are placed under extreme stress not only by the job they do but the criticism they must endure. That stress affects relationships, careers and families.

It is the right of any officer to utilize the courts if they feel they are wronged and that is exactly what Officer Robert Rialmo is doing. Instead of all the so called experts commenting on that action how about we let the courts decide.