In a striking courtroom moment, a Texas judge swiftly dismissed a marijuana possession case against a Black defendant, citing the arrest as a clear instance of racial profiling. Harris County Judge David Fleischer questioned the legitimacy of the arrest, pointing out that the defendant, identified as “Mr. Blake,” had been stopped for what amounted to jaywalking, a minor offense that escalated to a drug charge. Fleischer’s decision, captured on video, quickly went viral, drawing praise for his bold stance against discriminatory policing.

The case unfolded when police detained Blake for crossing a street at an unauthorized point, which the prosecutor described as an infraction. However, Fleischer immediately expressed skepticism, referring to the situation as “walking while Black,” a pointed critique of the racial profiling Black people often face in everyday situations. The judge dismissed the case, declaring there was no probable cause to justify the subsequent search that uncovered marijuana in Blake’s possession.

Fleischer’s sharp critique resonated deeply, underscoring the ongoing issue of systemic racism within the criminal justice system. The judge remarked that the arrest seemed to hinge on the defendant’s race rather than legitimate suspicion of criminal activity. Fleischer’s use of the phrase “walking while Black” further highlighted the racial disparities that disproportionately affect Black individuals in routine police encounters.

This was not the first time Fleischer dismissed charges under similar circumstances. In a separate case earlier this year, he threw out charges against Zion Abiola, another Black man who was arrested after walking through a closed park. Fleischer found no probable cause in that case either, once again emphasizing that the defendant had been targeted without legitimate grounds.

As Blake left the courtroom, Fleischer offered him a stern piece of advice, encouraging him to avoid future legal troubles. “The world is against you. Don’t let them be,” Fleischer said, urging Blake to make the most of the second chance he had been given. The viral nature of the video has since ignited discussions on racial bias in policing, with many applauding Fleischer for taking a stand against the misuse of the law.