Colorado Springs, CO – On November 8, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered with family, friends, and loved ones of Davijo “D Jo” Velarde outside the headquarters of Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) to demand justice.

Velarde survived a police shooting on November 4 and is hospitalized in serious condition. Family members say neither they nor Velarde’s lawyers are being allowed to visit him in the hospital, and they are not being given any updates on his condition.

The officer-involved shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Aviator Apartments on North Murray Boulevard around 2:00 p.m. and was carried out by a joint team of CSPD’s Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force Unit and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Impact Team.

CSPD and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office press statements claim that Velarde fired at officers first, and both CSPD officers and at least one El Paso County deputy returned fire. Residents of the apartment reported hearing dozens of shots and described it sounding “like a warzone.” Several vehicles in the parking lot appeared to have been struck by bullets. Thomas MacLaren School, a K-12 school directly across the street from the apartment complex, went into a lockdown and evacuated students to a nearby church.

Velarde’s family noted that, when police opened fire, another person was in the car with D Jo. They also raised serious questions about why law enforcement chose such a highly populated location to execute the warrant. The timing was also questioned, as the elementary school across the street was about to get out; police had allegedly been following Velarde with drones for days.

The warrant was in connection to a fatal fight at a liquor store that occurred on October 31. According to news reports, 40-year-old Brody McDowell escalated an argument inside the store and told Velarde he would be waiting for him outside to fight. McDowell swung at Velarde when he exited the store, and Velarde allegedly fired a shot that killed McDowell.

Organizers, alongside D Jo’s loved ones, spoke about the need for police accountability and justice. COSAARPR member Genevieve Richard condemned CSPD’s actions, and spoke about the different justice system Black and brown people face compared to white people, drawing connections between D Jo’s case and Anthony Padilla, another victim of police violence fatally shot in the back in 2023.

Richard stated, “Black and brown people are subjected to a presumption of guilt. Whether or not D Jo is guilty, cops are not the judge, jury, and executioner!”

Elizabeth Velarde, D Jo’s wife, highlighted his humanity, noting that “D Jo wasn’t a perfect person, but at the end of the day he’s still a person. He’s still a human being who has a family who loves him and cares for him, and the way they executed the stop on him, the way they came out with their guns drawn in a residential and school area was not right. That was not fair to him, his loved ones, or anyone in that community at all. We want justice for him and we want a fair trial!”

Velarde’s aunt Raven Rivera stated, “I don’t agree with how the police handled things; they should not have opened fire next to a school. I think something needs to happen to where they’re held accountable for their actions.”

Rivera continued, “D Jo, we love you and we’re all here to support you and we hope that you pull through. Just know that you’re in all of our prayers and our thoughts and we love you, kid!”

The group held signs with photos of D Jo, and chanted “Justice for D Jo,” and “Transparency now.”

#ColoradoSpringsCO #Colorado #ColoradoSprings #COSAARPR #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #PoliceCrimes

New York, NY – On Sunday, November 1, over 200 community members gathered for a rally and march for Nolan Wells and all Black lives taken by racist violence around the country. Nolan Wells was just 18 years old when he went missing during a trip with a group of friends, all of whom were white.

Since then, the family has had to fight the Jackson County, Mississippi, sheriff's office and district attorney’s office to push every step of the investigation forward. In September, a grand jury declined to bring criminal charges in his case, despite medical evidence directly contradicting the narrative that Wells died by accidental drowning.

New York’s protest was one of many across the country to demand justice for Nolan Wells and all stolen lives. Organizations including We the People NYC and the New York Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression gathered in Foley Square before marching to Washington Square Park to join protesters from across the city.

Sheina Banatte of the Justice for Eudes Pierre Coalition connected the fight for Nolan Wells to the fight for Eudes Pierre. In both cases, the family struggles to fight for justice against a system that lies about their loved ones, obstructs the investigation, and continues to dehumanize them.

Banatte stated, “We have to keep fighting! The more they try to silence us, the louder we’ll be!”

November 1 would have also been the second birthday of Kohen Wiley, a one-year-old murdered by Sargeant Hunter Foster of the Senatobia, Mississippi Police Department in June. Protesters alternated between chants of “Justice for Nolan Wells,” “Justice for Kohen Wiley,” and “Justice for Javits Frimpong,” a fifteen-year-old killed in the Bronx on October 29.

Dozens of NYPD officers surrounded and followed the march on foot, on bikes, and in vans and buses. Despite the heavy police presence, protesters continued to chant and march from Washington Square Park, taking the streets, blocking traffic and inviting passersby to join.

Daniel Koh, NYAARPR’s outreach chair, stated, “Police inflict racist violence in many forms, from gunning down people like Eudes Pierre to refusing to investigate de facto lynchings, from Jackson, Mississippi to Albany. The whole racist system has got to go. That’s why we fight for community control of the police, to take back the power to win justice for all stolen lives!”

We the People, the New York Alliance, the Justice for Eudes Pierre Coalition, and other community organizations present vowed to continue the fight for justice for all families impacted by police violence.

#NewYorkNY #NY #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops

Cass Green of TNT highlighted the life of Walter Wallace and the impact he had on those around him, including his family, friends and other loved ones.

PAARPR member Olujimi Alade then spoke about Aaron Rainey and how his murder connects to Walter Wallace's. Olujimi finished his speech with a call for all members of the community to unite in order to fight for justice and to support the families.

Nikki Grant and Julia Lyon from TNT spoke to the necessity of alternatives to police interaction for people experiencing mental health crisis, such as mobile response teams. Tonya Kersey, the mother of Aaron Rainey, gave an impassioned plea for justice for her son and for District Attorney Larry Krasner to try the two police officers for murder. Her resiliency served as an inspiration for all who attended.

The vigil ended with Pastor Chris Kimminez from Healing Communities praying for the families off all victims of police crimes to find renewed strength and for the memory of all the victims to live on forever. The vigil is an important part of the joint campaign organized by PAARPR and TNT to get cops out of mental health.

R.I.P Walter Wallace Jr., Aaron Rainey, Victoria Lee, Jamir Cave, Joseph Smithers and all other victims of police crimes.

Justice for all victims of police crimes!

#PhiladelphiaPA #PA #InJusticeSystem #PAARPR #NAARPR #KillerCops

Santa Ana, CA – On October 8, roughly 25 community members held a protest demanding justice for two young Chicanos, 15-year-old Jaden Michaca and 18-year-old Victor Lopez. Both Michaca and Lopez were shot by officers in the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) within five months of each other, continuing a pattern of police oppression towards Chicanos in the city.

The city and police department have refused to share information relevant to the cases, including the names of officers involved and the full unedited body camera footage. Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) is pressuring the city of Santa Ana with a lawsuit for failing to release public records related to deaths at the hands of police.

“My brother was killed by SAPD. He was shot three times just feet away from his one-year-old son and his partner, after following orders to get on the ground,” shared Emily Lopez, the older sister of Victor Lopez. He was only ten days away from his 19th birthday, and Emily Lopez highlighted the fact that he posed no threat to police.

Attendees heard from Maribel Michaca, mother of Jaden Michaca, who stated, “We’re here to demand all the uncut video from Jaden’s death. I want justice for my son; I want the cops who killed my son to be in jail!”

Despite previous calls for mental health crisis response teams, SAPD failed to provide Jaden Michaca the help that he needed. The two officers dispatched that day would shoot Michaca nine times in less than 30 seconds after making contact at his home; a stray bullet hit his mother in the hand.

Rosie Camacho, whose son Albert Arzola was killed by Anaheim PD, commented, “I’m here for my son and the rest of the victims of police officers who believe that just because they have a badge and a gun, they can brutalize our kids. We want transparency and accountability!”

Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) member Abe Quintana added, “Police violence against Chicanos is used to keep our working-class communities living in fear and criminalize them. Chicanos must fight for self-determination to bring an end to our national oppression!”

The crowd marched along Civic Center Drive, where passersby honked in support, and they gathered at the front doors of the SAPD building chanting, “Jail killer cops!” They held signs with pictures of the victims, as well as the officers in the department who have killed Chicanos and other oppressed nationalities. The event was organized by CSO OC with the family members of victims who have been killed by police.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #CSO #CSOOC #FRSO

Tumwater, WA – Members of the Tacoma Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression held a press conference outside the Washington State Office of Independent Investigation (WA OII) on Friday, October 23, to urge the WA OII to investigate the death of Ronald Amir Harris.

TacAARPR members delivered a petition with over with over 450 signatures to the office, as well as new evidence obtained by Ronald Amir Harris’s family.

“The county didn't do an investigation that produced really any type of evidence that could conclusively concur with a suicide,” said Christian Tullar. “And that's why petitioning the state is so important here.”

Ronald Harris was found dead in his Pierce County jail cell before his trial on May 2, 2022. The county’s sheriff’s office ruled it a suicide, but refused to release key evidence to Ronald’s father, Ray Charles Harris. Concerned community members wrote in over 60 letters to the WA OII urging them to open an investigation into this death. When TacAARPR members met with WA OII on Oct 8, the office would not take up the investigation unless Ronald’s family and community were able to provide new evidence.

“My son did not commit suicide,” stated Ray Harris, “My son told me three days before his death, he said, Dad, if something happens to me, I did not kill myself.”

The petition’s two main demands were for Pierce County to release key evidence to Ronald Harris’s family, and for WA OII to do a full, transparent investigation into the death. The first demand was met earlier this week, when Harris’s family obtained new evidence by appealing directly to the county medical examiner’s office. This came after almost a year of denials by the sheriff’s office and the family’s FOIA requests. According to documents available on the TacAARPR website, the toxicology report, autopsy report and autopsy photos were never entered as evidence in the original suicide investigation.

“The WA OII gets 14 million tax dollars a year to investigate deaths like Ronald’s, yet the onus is put on us to find new evidence,” said TacAARPR member Moon Gosserand. “And when we do present new evidence, they have the power to just dismiss it, like they’ve done on other cases. But we won’t let them dismiss Ronald’s case without a fight!”

Gosserand was referring to the cases of Jason Hale and Andrea Churna, where new evidence, including new video and testimony, was dismissed by the WA OII. Since forming in 2021, the WA OII has never completed a “prior investigation.” According to their website, all eight existing prior investigation cases were either denied, passed to another body, or still in progress. TacAARPR members affirmed that despite this track record, they would continue the community investigation to obtain even more new evidence.

“One of the pieces of evidence that really worried us was in what’s called a CAD log,” Tullar continued, referring to the computer-aided dispatch log, which was released to TacAARPR via a FOIA request earlier this month. “In the CAD log we had seen the term hanging, and, when you're Black in America, especially when you're a Black man, the term hanging has a very particular racialized connotation. It instantly makes us think of the type of political and racial repression against Black people. And Pierce County has a long history of oppression and neglect and violence and brutality against Black men and Black people and people who are in the prison and jail system here.”

“My son's going to get justice,” Ray Harris re-stated. TacAARPR and the Harris family confirmed they will not back down until a full, transparent investigation has been completed.

#TacomaWA #WA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #NAARPR

Dallas, TX – On October 14, organizers with the Dallas chapter of the National Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression (NAARPR Dallas) spoke at Dallas City Hall to call for the city council to move forward a resolution denouncing the crimes of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanding for an independent investigation into ICE violence.

Lili Delgado, an organizer with NAARPR Dallas, said at the open mic period, “Dallas City Council has a responsibility towards its residents, be they documented or undocumented. We demand the city of Dallas issue an official statement denouncing ICE shootings and killings and also pledges to use all its available powers to investigate directly or fund an independent investigation in the event of an ICE shooting or killing here in Dallas.”

Delgado continued, “This is about actions and not just words and we have to ensure that there are independent investigations into these shootings; it is our duty to our community to ensure there is justice for the actual events.”

ICE has shot at least 24 people since last year, including Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was killed by ICE in Houston earlier this year, and Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, who was shot and is being held captive by ICE in Austin.

#DallasTX #TX #InJusticeSystem #NAARPR #ImmigrantRights #ICE #KillerCops #KillerICE

Milwaukee, WI – On October 22, 50 people gathered at the King Center on Milwaukee’s Northside to mark Stolen Lives Day to uplift the memories of loved ones whose lives have been stolen by police crimes.

The Cole, Sharpe, Anderson, Thomas, Robinson-Scarborough, and Lawhorn families were present as were members of Milwaukee’s Palestinian community. All these families have unjustly lost their sons and daughters to police murders and negligence. Brian Verdin, one of the original founders of the Milwaukee Alliance, gave a moving account of the dozens of families the Alliance has struggled alongside for justice over the years.

Milwaukee poets Lea V, Mario “The Poet” and Jonah Denae offered up poems that celebrated the lives lost, made space for community anger, and uplifted the importance of the struggle for justice. Denae received a standing ovation for her poem that indicted the entire system for its violence against Black men.

Taleavia Cole, the sister of Alvin Cole, who was murdered by killer cop Joseph Mensah, stated, “No punishment can bring our loved ones back, and no words can undo the devastation violence leaves behind… the conversation cannot end with just justice. We need accountability, we need transparency, we need action.”

Families needed space to grieve, but they were also angry and ready to fight back. Indictments and convictions for killer cops are a start for these families, but they plan to keep fighting until they get the whole system changed.

Cole continued, “At the end of the day we cannot fight this alone, we need more grassroots organizations like the Milwaukee Alliance, we need more alliance.”

For the last three years, the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has hosted Milwaukee’s Stolen Lives Day.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #AfricanAmerican #NAARPR #MAARPR #KillerCops

New Orleans, LA – This October 24 at 11 a.m., the New Orleans Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression will hold a march against police brutality. The march will begin in front of the Federal Building downtown at 500 Poydras Street.

Demands include, “Jail killer cops! Stop police cover-ups! End prison torture!” Families impacted by police crimes will be highlighted in the program to demand justice for their murdered and incarcerated loved ones.

The injustice system has consistently shown that it does not care about Black lives. Over the last few months, Black Americans have seen unsolved lynchings, the police cover-up Nolan Wells murder, and the police murder one-year-old Kohen Wiley with no consequences. 

The New Orleans Alliance is demanding justice for Nolan Wells, Kohen Wiley, Jace Lee Scott, and all Black lives taken by police killings or covered up by police. They urge all who believe in justice to attend and join the fight for Black lives alongside the families leading the way.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #NAARPR #NOAARPR #KohenWiley

New York, NY – Over 60 community members and activists rallied outside of the Brooklyn Central Court for over 14 hours after the NYPD arrested two organizers with the New York Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NYAARPR) in the early morning hours of October 20. They were released at 12:20 a.m. the next day.

The crowd initially gathered at 9:30 a.m. and continued to rally until midnight, with their numbers growing stronger over time. Members of the crowd chanted, “Free Jamie Kowalski! Free Daniel Koh!” and demanded the immediate processing and release of the two arrested activists.

Jamie Kowalski was arrested from his home at 5:30 a.m. on October 20; an hour later, Daniel Koh was arrested, also from his home. Both activists have been charged with misdemeanors of stalking and harassment, which was not made clear to either of them at the time of their arrest.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Shivani Ishwar, NYAAPRR chair, said, “We have been out here all day demanding the release of our friends, and proving that the NYPD's attempts to scare us will not work! We will get these bogus charges dropped, and this will only make us fight that much harder for justice for Eudes Pierre!”

NYAARPR members, including Kowalski and Koh, have been picketing in front of the 71st Precinct in Brooklyn for several months, demanding justice for Eudes Pierre, a young Haitian man murdered by Conrado Abreu-Gerez and Peter Lan in December 2021.

On September 19, NYAARPR held a speakout and posted notices in Sunset Park, near Abreu-Gerez’s apartment, warning his neighbors that a killer cop lived nearby. After NYAARPR’s monthly picket at the 71st Precinct on September 24, Koh, Kowalski, and a third activist from the New York Alliance were followed and stopped by the police, although no summons was issued at that time. Two days before the arrest, on October 18, the New York Alliance again posted flyers near Abreu-Gerez’s apartment. This is what the organizers believe is the real cause of the arrests.

At the courthouse, the supporters of the two activists included a broad front of progressive organizations such as Brooklyn Against War, We the People, UFT MORE Caucus, NYU Students for a Democratic Society, BAYAN NE, JUPI, International League of Peoples Struggle NE, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, friends, community members, and the family members of Eudes Pierre.

Things got heated around 7:45 p.m., after ten hours on the street, as the NYPD tried to intimidate protesters outside the court building, but it didn’t work. The police tried to say that the protest was “slowing things down” in the court building. The protesters stood their ground, shouting “speed it up” and called their bluff. The police then forced protesters to the other side of the street, threatened arrest and erected barriers around the building as the crowd chanted “Cowards!” Protesters from across the street only grew louder and were heard for blocks around.

Michela Martinazzi, member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization Central Committee, said, “The NYPD has a bloated $11 billion budget and cares more about protecting their killer cops than keeping the community safe. Daniel and Jamie are heroes amongst the people; they're fighting for true community control and justice for Eudes Pierre and his family. However, no matter how much the NYPD tries to intimidate our friends, we will be here to fight back!”

Zaara Ahmed from NYU Students for a Democratic Society said, “As students, we know we need to be part of community struggles, and an attack on one is an attack on all. Meaning, when any one of our community members, of our activists, our organizers, is under attack we all need to show up, show out, and fight back. These were bullshit charges put on people trying to shed light on a murderer in the NYPD, and we’re not going to stop until we see Daniel and Jamie free.”

Both Kowalski and Koh were finally released at 12:20 a.m. on October 21. Addressing the crowd of their supporters, Koh said, “These charges are bogus. They know they don't have shit, and they're only doing this because they feel pressured and feel like they want to get away with shit, and we’re not going to let that happen!”

While Kowalski and Koh have been released, the fight for justice continues as organizers will mount a hearty defense campaign to get the charges dropped.

NYAARPR plans to continue to protest the 71st Precinct and fight for justice for Eudes Pierre. The next picket is scheduled for October 29 at 6 p.m., and they are calling on all progressive-minded people and allies to show up and show that NYPD intimidation will not get in the way of their fight for justice.

#NewYorkNY #NY #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #KillerCops #NYAARPR #NAARPR #feature

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARAPR).

The Mississippi Attorney General’s office has declared the police murder of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley “justified.” This ruling is outrageous and shameful, and The National Alliance condemns it in the strongest terms. By clearing the Senatobia PD officer Hunter Foster who fired into a fleeing vehicle after seeing the child, the state signals that no victim is too young or innocent to escape deadly racist policing.

The ruling defies the truth. On June 14, officers from Senatobia PD and Tate County SO chased and fired into a vehicle carrying Kohen, his mother, and his aunt, who was injured. They knew a baby was inside. The only video shows the car driving away. The independent autopsy found shots were fired into the side, not the front, proving the vehicle was not driving toward officers. Officer Hunter Foster also faced prior misconduct allegations: a 2019 federal lawsuit accusing him of exaggerating a threat in a Waffle House parking lot confrontation in which he lied and said a vehicle tried to strike another officer, settled confidentially in 2022, and a 2022 DeSoto County traffic stop excessive force lawsuit was dismissed this March. 

This outcome fits Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s track record of defending Jim Crow-era disenfranchisement and protecting killer cops. It continues Mississippi’s blood-soaked history of racial terror. The National Alliance does not accept this “justification” and will not allow Kohen Wiley’s story to be buried. All officers involved must be charged and convicted, and the corrupt system that protects them must face justice.

Justice for Kohen Wiley! Jail Killer Cops! Community Control of Police Now!

#InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #NAARPR #Statement #KohenWiley

Brooklyn, NY – In the early morning of Tuesday, October 20, the NYPD arrested two organizers with the New York Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression in their homes in Brooklyn.

Jamie Kowalski was arrested at 5:30 a.m. and, an hour later, Daniel Koh was arrested from his home. As of right now, charges or reasons for their arrests have not been disclosed by the NYPD.

However, organizers with the New York Alliance have an idea of why the arrests happened. Shivani Ishwar, NYAARPR chairperson, said, “The NYPD is trying to intimidate our activists, who have done nothing more than fight for justice alongside our organization and the family of Eudes Pierre. But justice will not be silenced! We will continue to fight against NYPD repression, and against the brutal violence that continues to plague Black and brown communities across the city. Free Daniel and Jamie! Justice for Eudes Pierre!”

The New York Alliance has been holding monthly pickets outside of the 71st Precinct, where killer cop Conrado Abreu-Gerez works, demanding justice for Eudes Pierre.

On September 19, the New York Alliance posted notices and held a speak-out near where Abreu-Gerez lives to warn his neighbors of his involvement in the murder of Eudes Pierre.

September 24 was the most recent monthly picket outside of the 71st Precinct. After the picket, three New York Alliance organizers, including Kowalski and Koh, were approached by officers of the 71st Precinct. The officers took their IDs and talked about potential violations of littering and amplified sound, but no summons was issued.

On October 18, organizers put up new flyers near the officer’s home.

Organizers with the New York Alliance believe that the most recent flyering was what spurred the arrests.

Michela Martinazzi, a Central Committee member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, commented, “The NYPD is the largest, most violent gang in the city. They don’t like to be pressured, and the New York Alliance is the one pressuring them. Kowalski, Koh and the members of the New York Alliance have done nothing wrong. They are brave for standing up to the NYPD!”

NYAARPR will continue to host its monthly picket outside the 71st Precinct. The next is on Thursday, October 29 at 6 p.m. It is more important than ever that many progressive-minded people show up to demand justice for Eudes Pierre and to show the NYPD that organizers will not be intimidated!

The New York Alliance is hosting a call-in and will be holding a jail support rally. Please review their social media pages for the most up-to date information.

#BrooklynNY #NY #InJusticeSystem #NAARPR #NYAARPR #PoliticalRepression #KillerCops #Feature

Santa Ana, CA – All eyes are on Santa Ana and the police brutality against 28-year-old Chicano Florentino Lopez, which was captured on video by his family.

On October 1, police pinned Florentino’s hands behind his back and pressed him against their vehicle. Without warning, one officer violently wrestled him to the ground, punching and kneeing him in the face while the other officer also struck and pinned him to the ground. The first officer turned out to be killer cop Luis Casillas. In December 2024, Casillas killed two Chicanos in one month's time: Noe Rodriguez and Henry Gonzalez Junior, and he allegedly beat 15-year-old Mario Diaz last June.

The video went viral, so Santa Ana residents and multiple news stations packed the city council chamber. The council delayed public comment for two hours, forcing many working-class residents to leave without speaking, but some refused to be turned away.

Mayor Valerie Amezcua, who receives huge campaign contributions from the Police Officers Association and is facing re-election, made a big show about the council deciding to have an independent investigation into the beating, but she was interrupted by audience boos. They saw the police brutality for what it was, and wanted the officers to be held accountable immediately.

Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) member David Pulido said, “We are here to demand justice for Florentino Lopez. We demand that Police Chief Robert Rodriguez and City Manager Alvaro Nunez immediately fire the officers responsible.”

Pulido continued, “We warned you that if these police harmed anyone again, the blood would be on your hands. The blood is on your hands! Your cowardice and corruption meant that someone was harmed again!”

Next to speak was Maribel, who said, “My son, Jayden, was murdered by two cops June 14 of this year. Today I’m here to please ask for your help to release all of the uncut body camera video. I am also requesting justice for my son. He was suffering from mental health for almost two years. I was trying to get him all the help I could. I had proof that it was not the first time that Santa Ana police had come to my home.”

Despite knowing Jaden Michaca’s history of mental illness and psychiatric interventions, SAPD sent officers Steven Gonzalez and Charles Ruelas to his home, and, within 30 seconds of breaking down his door, they shot him to death. At the hearing, Michaca wore a shirt with pictures of her son throughout his childhood. As she spoke and wept, many in the audience cried with her.

Michaca said, “I close my eyes and I see my son on the floor, and there’s nothing I could’ve done to save him. Even though I was screaming for help. In my mind, I never called 911 for them to come and kill my son.”

As the evening continued, CSO OC’s immigration committee member Rain Mendoza took the stand to talk about the harassment the residents of the Coach Royal Mobile Home Park are receiving from the multi-million Kingsley Corporation and its management team. Residents of Coach Royal mobile home park have endured years of abuse, threats and eviction by Kingsley and park managers.

Mendoza stated, “Some updates for you all on the illegal actions by Kingsley Corporation, forcing the working-class immigrant residents to tear down their fences, which is extremely costly and stress-inducing. They're at the beginning stages of resizing their property without resident consent, which is illegal under federal law. If these residents try to push back or do not comply, they are met with harsh retaliation, including the most egregious crime of them all, which is the eviction of immigrant families and then stealing their homes!”

Mendoza then singled out Mayor Valerie Amezcua, stating, “You have a whole trailer park full of immigrant families that are being exploited by an out-of-state multi-million dollar corporation! They're breaking state and federal laws, mayor? This city council can't do a thing? They're breaking California law, they're breaking HUD codes, and breaking federal law.”

Karla Alvarado, a former resident who knows firsthand about the oppression residents are facing and who had her home stolen, addressed the council, “Families are living in fear of losing everything they have. How many more families have to suffer before you guys actually do something? Make some calls. Do something. It's something that is happening to thousands of people.”

Angered by the delay of the city meeting, Alvarado continued, “I took four hours away from my children, and they're hungry. They're having headaches, and I'm here to make sure that you guys do something to represent the very people that you go and knock on doors to promise them that you're going to be changers in the state, in the assembly, everywhere that you guys want to go, you guys want votes. But when we ask you guys to meet with residents, you guys failed to even send an email back and sit down and act like you guys care for us. It's disgusting.”

Griselda Ruiz, a lifelong resident of Santa Ana and CSO OC member, talked about one of the many shocking management edicts, “One of these insidious demands is the removal of air conditioning from their homes. We've been experiencing an extreme heat wave over 100 degrees, and Coach Royal residents are receiving notices demanding they remove their air conditioning.”

“Kingsley Corporation and management are targeting and embedding fear in their residents. Most of these residents are immigrants who break their backs to feed their families. But the manager at the mobile home park uses their immigration status against them by threatening to call ICE on them if they complain, if they go to a lawyer, if they stand up and fight back. Shame. And shame on you for allowing this to continue,” Ruiz added.

CSO OC Immigration committee member Diana Tererros spoke on the connection between the abuse these residents have been experiencing and their immigration status, “Sometimes they ask the residents to sign papers that they can't understand because of a language barrier. They don’t provide translation or anything, and that's very exploitative towards the residents.”

Tererros went on to say, “When they attended a hearing with the city regarding the issues at the park, there was an immigration vehicle outside the building. These are all Immigration issues. They should not have to live with the fear of immigration enforcement for simply trying to improve the place where they live.”

Terreros continued, “We are helping the residents fight back despite their immigration status, and they're being very brave and speaking up against this corporation. We're helping them with getting petition signatures from other residents to stop these actions from management and Kingsley. We want to meet with the park manager, Olivia Garcia, to talk to her about the demands of the residents.”

Despite lengthy delays, Santa Ana residents stood united against police brutality and predatory landlords. With the upcoming elections forcing a choice, residents have made it clear that accountability is non-negotiable.

If you are interested in joining CSO OC in this campaign, you can contact them at orangecountycso@gmail.com or on Instagram at @CSO.OC.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #PeoplesStruggles #Housing #CSOOC

Jacksonville, FL – On September 26, about 50 people gathered to celebrate Alquan Suydam’s 30th birthday, honoring a life cut short when Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) deputies shot and killed him last year.

The event, organized by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee and A Mother’s Cry – an advocacy group of those who have lost loved ones to police brutality – included food, music and games, as attendees remembered Suydam.

The celebration came days after State Attorney Melissa Nelson ruled Suydam’s death was justified, a decision his family, friends and the community reject as another failure to hold JSO accountable.

Organizers said four police cruisers came to the park in an apparent attempt to intimidate Alquan Suydam’s mother, Samina Suydam. She refused to back down. “That’s my baby. I’m not scared and I will fight for him until the day I die,” she said.

Supporters said the vigil was not only a birthday remembrance, but a demand for justice for Alquan and all victims of police violence.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #JCAC #KillerCops

Colorado Springs, CO – On September 25, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered outside the Broadmoor Hall to protest the annual Medal of Valor dinner hosted by the Colorado Springs Police Foundation.

They were joined by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), as well as the family of Alex Martinez-Sarmiento, who was killed by Officer Connor Wallick of the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) last July.

This annual fundraising dinner claims to honor CSPD officers who have gone “above and beyond,” yet, each year, the majority of officers winning awards are killer cops. This year, 19 out of the 25 officers awarded were involved in fatal shootings within the last few years. Two of the Medal of Valor recipients have killed multiple people. Michael Dauchy was involved in killing Dean Ackerman in December 2024 and Benji Greenfield in April 2026; Nicholas Cassalisa was involved in three fatal shootings in 2024, those being Dean Ackerman, Tyler Jacob Ben and Michael Hurst.

The event has tickets ranging from $175 to $10,000-plus for seating at a table with a deputy chief or commander.

Protesters from COSAARPR and FRSO chanted from outside the hall, “No valor for killer cops! Cell blocks for killer cops!” and “When killer cops are on patrol, what do we need? Community control!” and held signs with messages like “19+ killer cops are winning awards here today” and “No valor in police terror.” One sign bore the names of those killed by officers winning awards, reading “Justice for Benji Greenfield, Jesus Ramirez, Dean Ackerman, Derrick Wardle, Tyler Jacob Ben, Michael Hurst, Cole Vennucci.”

There were several speeches highlighting the lack of accountability for the acts of violent police officers, and the shamefulness of killer cops being celebrated. COSAARPR member Jayden Berry spoke about his own experiences with repeated police neglect growing up with an abusive father. Berry noted that he felt like one of the lucky ones compared to those killed by the officer’s winning awards, saying “19 out of the 25 recipients were involved with recent police shootings. Instead of being held accountable for their crimes, they are being celebrated for destroying families and communities.”

According to FRSO member Jessie Proffitt, “What’s happening in there is disgusting. Cops who have hurt our community, who have killed people, are currently being paraded around like prized pigs for rich elites who paid more for their table than some of us make in a year!”

Saray Rocha, sister of Alex Martinez-Sarmiento, said, “I stand here today because I feel like my brother deserves justice and Connor Jacob Wallick should no longer be wearing a badge, and I’m afraid that he may win a medal next year. I want justice for my brother, and I want justice for everyone!”

CSPD officers and Broadmoor Hall managers attempted to intimidate protesters with repeated threats of arrest if anyone stepped off the sidewalk onto the grass, obstructed the sidewalks, or continued using amplified sound after 7 p.m. The Broadmoor managers also admitted that last year, they had to compensate several Broadmoor hotel guests as a result of the loud protest COSAARPR had. According to COSAARPR members, they intend to protest the event every year until it becomes untenable for the Broadmoor, or any other location, to host.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InjusticeSystem #KillerCops #CSPD #AlexMartinezSarmiento #ConnorWallick

Oakland, CA – On Tuesday, September 22, around 30 community members rallied in front of the attorney general’s offices to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Jalani Lovett, who died in LA Men’s Central Jail.

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Lovett was arrested in 2019 and died in 2021, under highly suspicious circumstances, after being held in solitary confinement at the Los Angeles Men’s Central Jail. He was under custody of the LA Sheriff’s Department, which has been linked to the deaths of many other inmates. Though his body showed signs of severe physical trauma, LASD labeled his death as a drug overdose, despite him having no access to drugs while in solitary confinement.

In the beginning of this month, the Department of Justice launched a probe into the jail to investigate its concerning conditions and inmate deaths. 29 have died in custody so far this year.

Terry Lovett, Jalani’s mother, has been fighting for a proper investigation into her son’s death for five years. She has repeatedly reached out to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, asking him to take action, since the LASD refuses to investigate itself.

“This is a fight that I’m not gonna ever stop, cuz I'm not gonna ever get Jalani back. Too many birthdays is gonna pass and he’s not gonna be sitting there. Too many Thanksgivings are gonna pass and he’s not gonna be coming in the door, going in my pots, ‘Mom what you cooking?’” stated Terry Lovett. Despite his campaign promises to step up investigation of in-custody deaths, Rob Bonta has refused to take any action on Jalani Lovett’s case.

Barbara Doss, mother of the late Dujuan Armstrong, also spoke at the rally, saying, “We went to Sacramento to get some things done, and he made all kinds of promises. I done rode up in this office several times, he done made offers, ‘He’s gonna do this, he’s gonna do that’ for the families.’ Rob Banta is a liar.”

Dujuan Armstrong was killed in custody at Santa Rita jail as officers attempted to restrain him during a mental health crisis, in what was supposed to be a weekend stay. Doss added that officials also tried to point the finger at drug use as a contributing factor to Armstrong’s death, saying, “They said he died from an overdose, apparently all our children are dying of overdoses.”

Romaine Charite with the Oakland Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, the emcee of the rally, said, “The sheriffs harbor racist syndicates who perform initiation rituals of torture and murder of Black and Latino men and brand themselves with tattoos to identify themselves. When the FBI tried to investigate this in 2011, the sheriffs kidnapped the discovered informant for 18 days. These sheriff gangs must be destroyed and the jail closed through civilian power over the police, not county special interests.”

Terry Lovett is supported by a coalition of police-accountability organizations, families impacted by police violence, and concerned community members that support her, organizing to protest Rob Bonta’s lack of action. The rally was supported by Kathryn Wade, the mother of Malad Baldwin; Addie Kitchen, grandmother of Steven Taylor; Cat Brooks, the founder of the Anti-Police Terror Project, and Emily Turnbull, a retired ILWU Local 10 member.

#OaklandCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #Jail #OAARPR #NAARPR

Jacksonville, FL – On the evening of September 3, at Memorial Park, dozens gathered for Asia Bennett’s vigil.

The gathering was held in memory of Asia Bennett, 22, who was fatally shot by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Deputies (JSO) on August 11, 2026. Bennett was a victim of domestic violence, and she needed help. JSO instead shot her twice.

Body-worn camera footage was released to the family weeks later. Relatives have since stated that the recording contradicts the official account provided by JSO officials in the days after the incident.

Those close to Bennett describe her as a gentle and kind individual. The vigil drew many families who have experienced similar losses due to police encounters. Representatives from A Mother's Cry, a support organization for mothers who have lost children to police violence, addressed the crowd. Each speaker shared a personal account of loss, and each echoed a consistent sentiment: Bennett posed no threat and should have survived the encounter.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump also attended, offering praise to the ongoing work of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee (JCAC). He pledged to continue pursuing accountability in Bennett's case and emphasized that they would be “focused like a laser until they get justice for Asia.”

Speakers pointed to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office’s growing budget, which has increased in recent cycles despite repeated incidents involving the use of deadly force. The agency has the largest portion of the city’s budget, yet questions persist regarding its ability to respond appropriately to domestic violence calls without resorting to lethal action.

Community advocates have issued a series of demands, including: criminal convictions for the officers involved, rather than administrative reassignment or paid leave; establishment of a civilian-led Public Safety Committee to provide independent oversight of police conduct; creation of a Mental Health Emergency Response Team staffed by professionals trained in de-escalation techniques, and, an end to police violence in Jacksonville, with advocates citing the need to prevent further loss of life.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #JCAC #KillerCops #Feature

Brooklyn, NY — On Thursday, August 27, activists led a protest in front of the 71st Precinct of the NYPD to demand, “Justice for Eudes Pierre!” Undeterred by rain, community members stood outside the precinct responsible for Pierre’s murder and chanted, “NYPD kills on patrol! How do we stop them? Community control!”

Speakers from the New York Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NYAARPR) explained the details of Pierre’s death and the suffering that has continued to this day. In December of 2021, Eudes Pierre experienced a mental health crisis and called 911. The NYPD officers who responded to his call from the 71st Precinct brutally murdered him. Since then, no action has been taken against the police. New York’s Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) found that the officers acted within NYPD guidelines, and the state Attorney General Letitia James declined to pursue any charges against the officers.

NYAARPR spokesperson Daniel Koh shared details, “134 cops work at this precinct. 79 of them have allegations of misconduct and brutality. That means three of every five cops have abused their authority and hurt the people in this neighborhood. That means if anyone dials 911 in this neighborhood, they’re likely to get a crooked cop.”

This includes Officer Conrado Abreu-Gerez, one of Eudes Pierre’s killers, who has multiple allegations from before and after Pierre’s murder.

The New York Alliance also fights for community control of the police, a system that would give people the democratic power to determine how their communities are policed. Jamie Kowalski of the NYAARPR said, “We know that if our communities come together and we combine our power, we are stronger than the billionaires and their racist attack dogs in the NYPD! Compared to the power of the people, the pigs are nothing!”

Together with the family of Eudes Pierre, the New York Alliance will continue holding monthly protests at the 71st Precinct on the last Thursday of each month. The next protest will be Thursday, September 24.

#BrooklynNY #NY #InJusticeSystem #OppressedNationalities #AfricanAmerican #KillerCops #EudesPierre #NYAARPR #NAARPR

Anaheim, CA – On July 30, Community Service Organization, Orange County (CSO OC), the family of Albert Arzola, and residents of Anaheim delivered a petition of 1840 signatures to the Anaheim Police Department.

During the delivery, Rosie Camacho stated, “December 6, 2025 changed our whole life. I watched my son die in front of my doorsteps. There was no first aid, there was nothing. I had guns drawn to my head.” Camacho continued, “They dragged my son through the ground like a dog. My son deserves justice, and fire Nathan Garcia!” Camacho then lead a chant of “Fuck Anaheim PD!”

Nathan Garcia is the officer who killed Albert Arzola on December 6, 2025.

Protesters gathered in front of Anaheim Public Library and began to march towards the Anaheim Police Department. Their chants of “Justice for Albert Arzola!” and “Jail killer cops!” rang throughout the streets. When they arrived, protesters attempted to go inside. However, Anaheim PD had locked their doors. Immediately, two Anaheim police officers came outside from a side door. The family of Albert Arzola, along with CSO OC members ,confronted the officers and demanded that they be let inside.

During the confrontation, Juanita Lopez, the grandmother of Albert Arzola, handed the petition directly to one of the Anaheim police officers. The family began to list their demands. With family members and CSO OC members alike demanding, “We want officer Nathan Garcia fired!” and “Publicly release the body cam footage!”

Grace Arzola, the aunt of Albert Arzola, said this during the confrontation,“Why can't we go inside our department? You guys serve us, we don't serve you. We don’t understand why we aren’t being let in.” After the officer responded stating that’s not what he was saying, Arzola continued, “Then let us go in, so we can deliver the petition. We’ve spread our concerns for the last seven months, and we’ve been ignored and we get greeted here with the doors closed!”

After about five minutes of confronting the officers, the protesters were finally allowed to go inside the department. Once inside, family members and CSO OC members demanded to speak with the Chief of Police Manuel Cid. Anaheim police officers refused to let the family speak to Cid, using the excuse that he was at an event. They demanded for him to be put on the phone, which again was denied.

The family was left with a phone number and was told to contact Manuel Cid through the number and set up a meeting. The family made sure to point out that they will in fact hold Manuel Cid to that meeting.

During the whole confrontation, the department had no choice but to hear the Arzolas’ demands, with family members telling the officers that Nathan Garcia needs to be fired, and to release the autopsy report. The officers were very visibly shaken and were nervous the entire time. For months, the department has ignored the Arzolas, now they had no choice but to listen.

Afterward, protesters gathered out in front of the department and began with chants of “Nathan Garcia, lock him up!” The energy was angry with a lot of tears flowing from the family over being disregarded by Anaheim PD for the last several months.

Both the Arzolas and CSO OC vowed to keep confronting Anaheim PD and build pressure onto Anaheim Police Chief Manuel Cid until their demands are met and Nathan Garcia is fired. The family remains angry and frustrated, however, that doesn’t slow them down. It only fuels their fire to get officer Nathan Garcia fired and put behind bars.

#AnaheimCA #CA #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #CSOOC

Dallas, TX — Members of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression Dallas spent this past weekend, July 24-25, honoring the life and mourning the death of Santos Rodriguez, the 12-year-old Mexican American boy murdered by Dallas police officer Darrell Cain on July 24, 1973. More than five decades later, his case remains a flashpoint in the fight against police crimes in Dallas, and a reminder that the struggle for the memory of, and justice for, Santos and his family continue.

Who was Santos Rodriguez?

In the early morning hours of July 24, 1973, Dallas police officers Darrell Cain and Roy Arnold responded to a report of an $8 burglary at a Fina gas station in Little Mexico, a Mexican American barrio near downtown Dallas. Acting on a hunch, the officers went to the home of the elderly, largely non-English-speaking foster grandfather of brothers David, 13, and Santos, 12.

The boys were pulled from bed in their pajamas, handcuffed and driven to the gas station for interrogation. While Santos sat handcuffed in the front seat, Officer Cain put his revolver to the boy's head in a game of “Russian roulette,” demanding a confession. Santos's last words were that he was telling the truth. Cain pulled the trigger a second time and killed him instantly, in front of his brother. Evidence later revealed Santos and his brother had no connection to the burglary.

Cain was indicted for murder, but a judge set his bond at a mere $5000. Outrage in the Chicano and Black communities of Dallas boiled over on July 28, 1973, when more than 1000 people marched from Kennedy Plaza to City Hall, torching police cars and smashing windows as police cracked down.

Cain was ultimately convicted of murder with malice but served only two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence. It would take until 2021, 48 years later, for the Dallas Police Department to formally apologize to Santos's mother, Bessie Rodriguez. Killer cop Darrel Cain ultimately escaped justice and lived out his life quietly until 2019. There was no mention of the murder in his obituary.

July 24: Angelversary and vigil

On Friday, NAARPR Dallas members hosted an Angelversary commemoration for Santos Rodriguez at Pike Park, where a small statue of him sits, bringing together community members to remember his life and to reaffirm the ongoing fight of victims of police crimes still demanding justice. The gathering placed Rodriguez's murder within the broader history of police violence against Mexican Americans in Dallas and across the country, drawing a direct line from 1973 to the police killings communities continue to organize against today.

July 25: Gravesite visit

On Saturday, several NAARPR Dallas members traveled to Santos Rodriguez's gravesite to lay flowers and pay their respects to his memory, to his family, and to the decades-long fight for justice that his family carried on.

Xavi Velasquez, chair of NAARPR Dallas said of the weekend's events, “We attended several events for Santos this weekend, and a common question was, 'What do we do about his murder?' I had the opportunity to talk about community control of the police to many people this weekend, and most people wanted to know more. People want change and are looking for practical and people-powered solutions. This weekend's events solidified to me the need for community control of the police here in Dallas, not just for modern victims of police violence but to hold DPD accountable for police violence that is deep in Dallas history.”

#DallasTX #TX #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #NAARPR

Milwaukee, WI – As part of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression’s National Week of Action for Corey Ruiz, the Milwaukee Alliance held a vigil, July 26, in conjunction with Freedom Inc.’s vigil in Madison.

Milwaukee’s vigil gathered families and community members in order to raise the names of multiple victims of police crimes, alongside Corey Ruiz. Ruiz’s execution has been deeply felt by the people of Milwaukee, who are no strangers to police violence and building movements around such cases.

One of the families present was that of Jay Anderson Jr., who was killed by Wauwatosa police Their struggle for justice has been a long one, and along their path to justice, the Andersons have helped out many other families in Milwaukee. Linda Anderson, mother of Jay Anderson Jr., stated, “This happened in broad daylight, and it’s unbelievable how they can do this and think they can get away with this. We are people. We love our kids. It changes our whole lives.”

Angelique Sharpe, sister of Sam Sharpe Jr. (killed in 2024) and education chair of the Milwaukee Alliance stated, “Most of us are taught from an early age that no one is above the law. We are expected to follow the rules, accept responsibility for our actions, and face consequences when we make mistakes. This should apply to all of us, regardless of our title, profession, neighborhood or position of power. If Corey Ruiz’s murderer is not jailed after executing him in broad daylight, what message does that send? What does that say about any ‘fairness’ in law and its application?”

Speaking to this unequal treatment, Chamar Clay raised her friend’s name, Major Artis, and stated that “If one of us go do what they did to Corey, I’d be sitting in jail right now. So he [the officer] needs to take accountability, and they need to put him in jail today!”

The crowd concluded the event by placing flowers for Corey Ruiz on the Sit with Sam Bench, a bench that commemorates Sam Sharpe Jr. in the area where his life was stolen by Columbus PD officers during the Republican National Convention in 2024.

While there was a general sense of grief at the vigil, there was also a lot of hope in the movement to hold the police accountable. Milwaukee has a lot of fighting families and has a lengthy history of movements behind these families. They are raising the demands of justice for their own loved ones, but they also raise the following demands coming from Madison: arrest the killer cop; strengthen the Police Civilian Oversight Board, and community control of the police.

#MilwaukeeWI #WI #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #MAARPR #NAARPR