Seattle-based hardcore band Furious Styles has stirred up a lot of public reaction after creating a t-shirt design that honors an individual that murdered a local police officer. Officer Timothy Brenton was shot without provocation by Christopher Monfort, who was eventually shot several days later in an altercation with police. The shirt design in question can be viewed here - the back of the shirt features the following lyric from Public Enemy: "Most of my heroes don't appear on no stamp." Furious Styles frontman Michael Torres has gone on supporting the message suggested on the shirt in spite of the backlash:
You're right about one thing. I'm definatly a very smart fellow. And a very opinionated and outspoken one as well. Over the last week, I saw a lot of support for this dead officer, and a lot people who alledgedly hate the police putting their opinions aside in the wake of this supposed "tragedy". I've heard it all...he had a family...he has kids...etc...so spare me that bullshit. Everyone has families, many adults have children. That doesn't excuse the actions of police in general and I refuse to change my opinion on the subject. When police die, I feel that the streets are just a little bit safer. So with that being said, I'm in no way embarrassed that we made this shirt. A lot of people took a stance on the situation....now I'm taking mine.
Meanwhile, former members of the group have spoken out against Torres and the shirt design. Onetime member Miles Freeborn issued this statement:
We, all previous members, would like to make it clear that we were unaware of the shirts actual existence until the recent media coverage. We were very unpleasantly surprised by this news due to the fact that we had never given the okay for its release and never would have. The idea had in fact been denied through a phone call weeks previously.Furious Styles has been broken up for 6 months minus one reunion show played in August. We have had little to no contact with one another, especially not Mike Torres who quit the band to move to L.A.
Although it is apparent that Furious Styles has stood for a rigorous questioning of authority with our music and merchandise we do not celebrate the act that took place on Halloween eve against officer Timothy Brenton and Britt Sweeney.
It was not politically relevant or righteous. It was a brutal attack by an unorganized, deranged imbecile. We are sickened by the shirt's message and the fact that it now represents Furious Styles. The shirt was created solely by Mike Torres without any consent of ours.
Circulating photos in the media have showed pictures of old bandmates who haven't even played in Furious Styles for years, therefore greatly misrepresenting and condoning individuals who may or may not even be aware of the shirts existence.
We do not support this shirt and feel extreme guilt for any pain it has caused the families and friends of the victims surrounding this event. We are hoping to put a stop to the distribution of the shirt as well as the media's interpretation. We just want to make it clear who is responsible for this.
Additionally, the family of Monfort has publicly spoken out against the shirt design:
The family is horrified by these T-shirts and is greatly concerned about the impact of this glorification on the family of Officers Brenton and Officer Sweeney.
Finally, the merch company that was selling the item has since pulled it from its online store. No statement from the merch company has been given at this time. Sources: Seattle Weekly, Seattle Crime, The Stranger, The Stranger [2], The Seattle Times, Shop Shogun
