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Houston protest demands justice for John Hernandez

By staff

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Houston, TX – Assembling at the Guadalupe Plaza, angry family members and supporters marched through downtown Houston, June 7, demanding justice for John Hernandez.

John Hernandez, 24, was killed in a chokehold by both Sheriff Deputy Shauna Thompson and her husband Terry Thompson. The killing occurred on May 28 outside of a Denny’s restaurant and in front of John Hernandez’s wife and daughter.

According to witnesses and video, John Hernandez was outside of the Denny’s restaurant and an altercation occurred during which the Deputies Thompsons restrained and choked Hernandez.

Susana Santana, the aunt of John Hernandez helped organize the protests, along with other organizations like Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha (FIEL) Houston.

“We want the Thompsons to be jailed for what they did. This is an injustice!” says Santana.

Chanting, “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” the protesters went through downtown, stopping directly outside of Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg’s office to hold a sit-in, then ending the march at the Harris County sheriff’s office.

Since the protests and press conferences, Sheriff Deputy Shauna Thompson has been put on desk-duty, but partner Terry Thompson has not been arrested.

“We will be holding a vigil tonight, June 7, at Kim Ogg’s office at 7:00 p.m.,” says Santana. “Please help us demand the Thompsons be jailed for what they did to John Hernandez.”

The family and loved ones of Hernandez urge all to show their solidarity by either donating to the Go Fund Me here John Hernandez Medical Expenses , and to like the official family-led Justice for John Hernandez page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/justiceforJohnHernandez/ .

#HoustonTX #PoliceBrutality #PeoplesStruggles #RacismInTheCriminalJusticeSystem #Antiracism