Colorado Springs, CO – On April 1, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) was joined by Colorado Springs faith leaders and community organizations outside of anti-LGBTQ counselor Kaley Chiles’ office to condemn her litigation against Colorado’s “conversion therapy” ban and the 8-1 Supreme Court ruling.

Faith leaders included Reverend Josh Rumple of First Congregational and Pastor Amanda Udis-Kessler of Vista Grande United Church of Christ, both progressive churches in Colorado Springs respectively.

The Supreme Court ruling overturning Colorado’s ban on “conversion therapy” came on Trans Day of Visibility and is a continued escalation from the Trump administration against LGBTQ rights and protections. The case's primary litigant, Kaley Chiles, is a known bigot who works at Deeper Stories Counseling in Colorado Springs and worked with conservative law firm Alliance Defending Freedom”

Several community members shared speeches to a crowd of about 50 that condemned the Supreme Court's decision. “Claiming that conversion therapy is free speech is like calling a noose neckwear,” said Genevieve Richard of the FRSO. Lenny Lorenz, a college student and organizer with New Era Colorado College said, “The Supreme Court’s decision sets an alarming precedent that leaves queer youth open to dangerous and discredited practices.”

The crowd stayed strong despite rain and light hail. Chants rang loud through Cascade Avenue, “We won’t go back! These queers bash back!” and “We’re here! We’re queer! We won’t disappear.” Anger and a determination to fight back filled the air and everyone’s faces.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #LGBTQ #SupremeCourt

Colorado Springs, CO – On March 8, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) and the UCCS Feminist Club gathered at Colorado Springs City Hall to stand in solidarity with women impacted by repression, including abuse, police violence, and ICE deportations and harassment.

Around 100 people gathered at the rally, eager to show solidarity with survivors, support women’s liberation, and stand together against violence and oppression. Throughout the event, attendees shared conversations, resources, and messages of support, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Recent events also helped motivate community members to attend. Ongoing public attention surrounding the abuse and exploitation linked to Jeffrey Epstein has renewed conversations about systemic failures to protect victims of sexual violence and hold powerful figures accountable. Locally, community members have also pointed to the case of Micaela Pasillas, a survivor of domestic violence who was shot multiple times by police in Colorado Springs while attempting to escape an abusive partner. Organizers said these national and local incidents reflect broader concerns about violence against women.

“The violence perpetuated onto women is inseparable from the violence, policing, incarceration, and imprisonment of all oppressed peoples. The fight for female rights is the fight for liberation for all,” said Memphis Curry of COSAARPR. Curry also called on participants to continue organizing beyond the rally, reminding the crowd, “This fight is up to us; the responsibility does not fall on some imaginary hero.”

“When there are folks who are oppressed, dehumanized, and erased, we must shatter those chains because a blow to one is a blow to all,” said Sparrow McKinney of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Community members later marched from City Hall to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, chanting anti-ICE slogans and calling out Sheriff Joseph Roybal for cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Demonstrators gathered outside the sheriff’s office to voice opposition to ICE activity in the region and demand greater protections for immigrant communities.

Many carried signs reading “Stand with immigrant women” and “Stand with women impacted by police violence,” highlighting the rally’s focus on solidarity with those most affected by state violence. Protesters also led chants including “Stop the deportations, no family separation,” “From Minnesota to the 719, observing ICE is not a crime,” “They say no choice, we say pro-choice,” and “Donald Trump, you can’t lie – because of you women die.”

After the demonstration outside the building, the group marched back to City Hall, continuing chants and carrying signs in support of women’s liberation, immigrant rights and community safety.

The rally was organized as a coalition effort, with a wide range of organizations including About Face, BREAD Book Club, Colorado Rapid Response Network, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, General Strike Colorado, La Casa Colorado Indigenous Brown Berets, and the Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #ImmigrantRights

Colorado Springs, CO – On February 25, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered with the family of Alex Martinez-Sarmiento in front of the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s office to demand justice for Alex, and that DA Michael Allen move to indict his killer, officer Connor Jacob Wallick. Over 20 people gathered, including several of Alex’s siblings, nieces and nephews, friends, his mother, and his young daughter who is now growing up without her dad.

On July 5, 2025, CSPD’s Downtown Area Response Team responded to a call about a conflict outside of busy nightclubs at around 1 a.m. Based on surveillance footage from the Real Time Crime Lab, responding officers believed Alex Martinez Sarmiento was armed. When officer Connor Wallick approached with his gun drawn, yelling “Get your fucking hands up,” Alex, who did not have a gun in his hand, ran in fear and Wallick opened fire, shooting Martinez Sarmiento in the back several times and ultimately killing him.

This was the second instance of the Downtown Area Response Team fatally shooting someone in the back in the span of a few months – Nathaniel “Johnny” Altman, a disabled Black man experiencing homelessness was also shot in the back and killed by DART officer Carlos Pittman on March 31, 2025.

The group held banners calling for Connor Wallick’s indictment and Justice for Alex, one with a painted portrait of Alex, as well as picket signs with messages like “Justice for Alex Martinez! Indict Officer Wallick now!” “Blue lives murder!” “Justice for victims of police violence,” and “wanted” signs with Connor Wallick’s photo and a description of his violent and racist patterns of behavior.

The group chanted “Alex Martinez deserves to be alive! Connor Jacob Wallick deserves to rot in jail,” “No justice, no peace! No racist police,” “Connor Wallick we see you – racist, coward, killer too! DA Allen we see you – on the Brady List too,” and “When killer cops are on patrol, what do we need? Community Control!” to the beat of a drum.

Alex’s sister, Saray Rocha told the crowd, “My brother was always tough. Even as a little boy, he was never afraid of anything. That’s why it hurts so much knowing he ran because he was scared to go back to jail. He didn’t run because he wanted to hurt anyone, or because he wanted to die, he ran out of fear. I demand justice for my brother and I won’t stop until justice is served!” The group responded to her speech and tears with a resounding chant of “We love you, we we love you!”

COSAARPR chair Brandon Rincon highlighted Wallick’s pattern of racist policing, noting that “Connor Jacob Wallick had history of harassing Latinos and Chicanos, he’s famously known for arresting Club Q hero, Rich Fierro, put him in the back of a police car while he put the actual killer, Lee Anderson Aldrich, in an ambulance with victims.”

Rincon also spoke on the need for community control of the police, asserting that “We should have a mechanism for the people, by the people, that allows us to hold officers accountable when they wrong their communities. We deserve a say in how our communities are policed, and we deserve a say in who polices our communities, and we know damn well we don’t want Connor Jacob Wallick policing us anymore!”

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InjusticeSystem #KillerCop #COSAARPR

Colorado Springs, CO – On March 1, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) organized a protest over 150 people at Colorado Springs City Hall to demand an end to all military action against Iran.

Protesters chanted, “Hands off Iran,” “Donald Trump, CIA, how many kids did you kill today?” and “No boots on the ground, no bombs in the air, US out of everywhere!”

“How dare [Trump] act like he has the moral high ground when this is his second extrajudicial regime change in as many months?” asked Rowan Mayfair from AFVAW. Veterans make up around 15% to 17% of the population of Colorado Springs.

Brianna Campbell of Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression told the crowd, “Can we blame the Iranians for turning to Khomeini, who promised independence and dignity after what we had done to them? Can we blame the Iranians for even storming the U.S. embassy? Can we blame the Iranians for shouting ‘death to America’ after what we have done? No!”

The action ended with a speech from Jessie Proffitt of the FRSO, who stated, “This is a war for control and for profit, for an empire that is clinging onto its waning power, one that is willing to make the people pay any price to hold onto it. Long gone are the days of unchallenged U.S. dominance.”

Proffitt concluded, “It is time to make the U.S. ungovernable. We reject a future of blood and fire and we assert a future for workers, for socialism. If you want to help us fight for that future, to fight for revolution, join us in FRSO. If you want to fight for any future, join an organization today. The one thing the billionaire class fears more than losing control is the millions united in action.”

About Face Veterans Against War (AFVAW), 50501, Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission (PPJ&PC), and the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) endorsed the action.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #AntiWarMovement #FRSO #Iran

Colorado Springs, CO – On February 23, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered at Colorado Springs Police Department headquarters to demand justice for Michael Foster, a 35-year old Black man who was shot by CSPD officers Daniel Mork and Steven Mibert on February 2.

Joined by Foster’s family, a crowd of about two dozen protesters gathered chanting “Justice for Michael” and “Cut the pork and fire Mork.”

On February 2, the Colorado Springs Police Department executed a warrant for a suspect who was already in custody. During this operation, they identified 35-year old Black male Michael Foster as a “suspicious person” but confirmed he was not the person they were looking for. Foster was approached and chased by CSPD officer Daniel Mork, who Foster had previously sued for excessive use of force in 2023.

Michael Foster allegedly fired one round before being shot. After Foster was initially shot, he got up and tried to walk away from the threat. A second officer, Steven Mibert, began a physical altercation with Foster, pressing his pistol into Michael’s back multiple times. Foster, trying to remove the threat posed by the firearm, swatted at Mibert’s hand and was subsequently shot again – five more times while lying on the ground. Foster has luckily survived but is being held on a $1 million cash bond for defending himself against Daniel Mork, who previously cracked Michael’s skull open.

This has outraged the family, who spoke out at the rally on February 23. Loretta Foster, Michael Fosters’s mother, called for public officials, “Mayor Mobalade, take off your sheet and take off your mask, and represent your people.” She followed with “The attorney general of Colorado, you need to reach out to me! That’s my son, no one has reached out to me.”

The Colorado Springs Alliance states that they stand in solidarity with Michael Foster and his family and demand his immediate release from police custody.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #PoliceCrimes #InjusticeSystem #KillerCop #MichaelFoster #COSAARPR

Colorado Springs, CO – On March 2, members of the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered in front of City Hall to release a press statement on the investigation of Richard Arford and call out the CSPD for inaction in the six months since his death.

Banners calling for independent oversight of Richard Arford’s investigation billowed in the wind as members chanted “CSPD, we want transparency” and “Detective Crofoot we see you, racist, homophobic, sexist too” while raising signs demanding the CSPD detective Edward Crofoot met with the family now.

On September 2, Richard Arford, a gay Chicano man, was found naked, bruised and unconscious inside a burning abandoned building off a major roadway. His mother, Olivia Diez, was initially told by Detective Crofoot it was being investigated as a suicide. Diez disagreed and tried repeatedly to call Detective Crofoot but was met with complete silence for two months until COSAARPR released a statement on October 31 calling attention to the suspicious circumstances of Richard’s death.

“Richard’s mother, Olivia, has been treated by Detective Crofoot in a way that can only be described as gaslighting” said Jessie Proffitt, secretary for COSAARPR.

Proffitt stated that Diez “knew that she saw injuries all over Richard’s body when he was in the hospital, but Detective Crofoot claimed that he didn’t have any notable injuries like that, and any he had were likely from firefighters dragging him out of the building.” The autopsy showed abrasions and lacerations all over Richard’s body, “injuries that absolutely would not be possible from being dragged out of the building.”

Proffitt continued, “In the face of devastating loss, CSPD should not be creating more trauma, pain and confusion, but they have; with lies, minimization, and gross negligence of this investigation.” Proffitt concluded by raising demands of COSAARPR and the family, stating, “We join them in demanding answers, transparency, and honesty; a thorough investigation of this case as a potential homicide; support from a victim’s advocate; and a face-to-face meeting with Detective Edward Crofoot.”

COSAARPR has since called on community members to call Detective Crofoot’s office number at 719-444-7786 and demand that Detective Crofoot meet with the family face to face.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InjusticeSystem #LGBTQ #OppressedNationalities

Colorado Springs, CO – On February 3, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered at the corner of Delaware and Marion Drives to protest a police-involved shooting they said involved a domestic violence victim fleeing an abuser. Several members assembled at the scene to call for oversight and an independent investigation.

On January 31, the Colorado Springs Police Department received a report of a man, allegedly armed with a rifle, chasing a woman near Marion Drive. The woman, identified later as 30-year-old Micaela Pasillas, was allegedly armed with a knife, presumably to protect herself against her pursuer. Family members said on social media that Pasillas had been fleeing an abusive partner, adding that she experienced recurring mental health episodes and that police were aware of her condition due to prior interactions.

Instead of pursuing the armed man, officers contacted Pasillas, who fled from them and crawled into a police cruiser, seeking shelter and safety. Officers then shot her, later claiming she was reaching for a shotgun inside the vehicle. Pasillas suffered at least one gunshot wound, and was transported to a hospital; she is expected to survive.

Generally, police shotguns are required to be locked and bolted inside patrol vehicles to prevent public access. If the weapon was not properly secured, it would point to a dangerous lapse in protocol on the part of the officers, and, if it was locked and bolted, then Pasillas reaching for it would not have been a danger. In this case, ignoring these details almost led to lethal consequences. According to available accounts, Pasillas had dropped or thrown the knife before entering the cruiser, raising further questions about the level of threat she posed at the time. At the February 3 action, COSAARPR member Brandon Rincon spoke of this, saying, “She dropped her knife and made a rash decision to seek shelter. What did CSPD do instead of offering shelter? They shot her.”

After the shooting, police statements have omitted any discussion of the man reportedly armed with a rifle. Instead Pasillas’s identity was publicly disclosed and her behavior while fleeing was closely scrutinized. This imbalance has raised questions among community members and advocates, who argue that all inquiry has focused on the victim rather than the circumstances that led her to flee. The alleged abuser, meanwhile, does not appear to have been contacted by police, much less arrested or charged, further intensifying calls for accountability and transparency.

Several activists speaking at the emergency rally delivered remarks criticizing reckless conduct by police. The crowd chanted “Violent cops, off our streets!” A member of COSAARPR said, “We need to be able to investigate these cops in a transparent way, in a way that’s open to the people, in a way that isn’t cops investigating themselves. The system is set up against working people. The system is set up against Chicanos and brown folks.”

Another COSAARPR member, Bug Peterson, told attendees, “People in crisis, whether that’s a mental health crisis, a domestic violence situation, or something else, don’t deserve to be shot by police for the fight-or-flight reactions they are having.”

Peterson continued, “People deserve compassionate support, de-escalation, and actual safety, not trigger-happy police officers pointing a gun at you, ready to shoot you if you don’t immediately comply.”

The incident has renewed debate in Colorado Springs over police responses to domestic violence and mental health crises, with some calling for expanded de-escalation training and alternative emergency response options, as well as real oversight over the police by the community.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #COSAARPR

Colorado Springs, CO – On January 25, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered at Colorado Springs City Hall to protest against the recent killing of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who was observing ICE activity in Minneapolis.

Organizers in 50501, About Face, Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN), General Strike, and the Brown Berets endorsed the action to express their support for justice for Alex Pretti and all who have been harmed by ICE. Despite the snow and freezing temperatures, around 1500 people showed up to express their righteous anger towards ICE’s latest murder.

Members of COSAARPR and the endorsing organizations shared speeches that called for ICE agents out of every city including Colorado Springs and Minneapolis and condemned the murders of Pretti and Renee Good.

Brianna Campbell, a member of COSAARPR stated, “As I learn and as I wake up to the actions of our government under every administration, Republican and Democrat, that has been done in our name over the past several decades – both here at home against Black people, against brown people, against poor white people and all around the non-Western world – the more I realize that I should have been feeling this rage and horror for my entire life.”

A member of CORRN, Caly Katzin, told the crowd, “They [ICE] do not care about us or about de-escalation. They only want to destroy families and hunt people for sport.”

Genevieve Richard with FRSO stated, “They knew when they joined ICE that they were joining Trump's racist agenda. They knew that they were serving the imperialists putting the boot on all of us. They are servants of the empire, and their lives are lighter than feathers.”

Richard spoke on the sacrifices of Good and Pretti, saying, “Renee Good and Alex Pretti instead rose up against an invasion of their communities; they rose up against mass deportations; they rose up against separation of families; they rose up against the deaths in DHS; and they rose up against the killings in the streets. Their deaths are heavier than the Rocky Mountains!”

People crowded the City Hall steps and spilled out into the sidewalk and median, chanting things like “ICE out of neighborhoods!” and “Justice for Alex Pretti!” with chants also ringing out in Spanish; “La Raza, sí; la migra, no!” People also held signs reading, “Killer ICE off our streets” and “We say no to deportations.” People who passed by in their cars blared their horns in support. This action showed that the people of Colorado Springs firmly stand in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis and the immigrant community in demanding an end to the deportations and ICE terror.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #ImmigrantRights #AlexPretti #ICE #KillerICE #COSAARPR #CORRN

Colorado Springs, CO – On Tuesday, January 20, members of the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression gathered outside the El Paso County Combined Courthouse to stand with community member Mel Flores during his first court appearance related to charges for watching ICE.

On January 1, Mel Flores learned that he had three misdemeanor charges from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office related to interfering with an officer. Flores organizes as a “confirmer” with the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CORRN), a grassroots organization dedicated to responding to ICE raids. When ICE is sighted, Flores and other CORRN confirmers go to verify ICE’s presence and warn the community.

Flores learned of the charges only because an employer informed him that he failed a background check, costing him a job that he was set to start the following week.

In the morning of January 20, 20 people gathered in the front plaza of the courthouse holding signs with demands and slogans like “Drop the charges now,” “Stop the political repression” and “From Minnesota to 719, observing ICE is not a crime!” As people lined up to enter the courthouse, Flores’ supporters chanted “Right to observe, right to record, ICE crimes won’t be ignored!” with some in line for the courthouse joining in.

“I’m out here today to support a friend and comrade Mel Flores at his first court appearance as he faces bogus charges for protecting our community,” said Bug Peterson, Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression member and CORRN confirmer.

Peterson spoke to their experience in CORRN, recalling their first call as a confirmer to the children’s ward of a hospital.

“There’s so many calls like that at places where it’s just heinous for ICE to be at,” said Peterson. “There have been instances of ICE outside of courthouses waiting for people to do their legal proceedings, [people] who are doing things ‘the right way’ who are still being criminalized, and it’s bullshit!”

Flores commented, saying “We all know I did nothing wrong. Observing ICE is not a crime, screaming out my windows is not a crime. If you’re scared of my little finger, get a new line of work.” Flores tied this to ICE collaboration and escalation nationally, saying “this hasn’t stopped with Renee, they continue to push their boundaries with the general public.” Flores added that “communities are coming together, from Minneapolis to right here.”

El Paso County Sheriff Joseph J. Roybal is outspoken about his support of ICE, stating multiple times that he would like to strengthen law enforcement collaboration with ICE. In April 2024, Roybal joined forces with sheriffs across the country in a lawsuit against the state of Colorado in order to repeal HB 19-1124 and HB 23-1100, bills which prevent cooperation between Colorado law enforcement and ICE. The lawsuit failed and it remains illegal for Colorado law enforcement to cooperate with ICE.

Asked if they had a message for Sheriff Roybal, Peterson said “You’re on the wrong side of history. ICE activity is wrong, terrorizing Black and brown communities is wrong, and we will stand up and fight back against that and against collusion with ICE.”

Flores promised to continue protecting his community, stating, “They will not scare us, they will not bully us. I will continue to monitor our community, I will continue to answer CORRN calls, I will continue to scream ‘ICE is here.’”

Flores and Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) intend to fight the charges publicly and rally the community at every opportunity to make it clear to the Sheriff’s Office and the El Paso County courts that observing ICE is not a crime. Flores’ next court appearance is scheduled for January 29 at 1:30 p.m. at the El Paso County Combined Courthouse.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #COSAARPR

Colorado Springs, CO – On January 12, students at Coronado High school in Colorado Springs staged a walk out to protest ICE’s murder of Renee Good, who graduated from Coronado High School in 2006.

Students were joined and supported by the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and many community members, including alumni who had been classmates with Renee Good.

At the start of lunch, students walked out and marched from Coronado High school to the visible, high traffic corner of W Fillmore Street and Centennial Boulevard, where a group of over 100 held signs with messages like “Rest in power Renee Good” and “The system isn’t broken, it was built this way.” As they marched they chanted “Coronado Cougars are here to stay! We want justice for Renee!” “Say her name, Renee Good!” “From Minnesota to the 719, observing ICE is not a crime!” They garnered support from many passing drivers who honked and waved.

“We are mourning for the loss of Renee Good, she was a fellow alumni of our school, she graduated in 2006, so we’re here to honor her memory and fight back ICE,” said Ricardo Madrigal, a student currently attending Coronado. “I felt angry when I heard that she was from Coronado” said Madrigal, recounting his reaction to finding out who the victim was. He went on to describe other victims, saying “Renee Good started this protest, but there have been other people that have been shot and killed by ICE, for example Keith Porter Jr. was also killed by ICE, really it’s just gotten to a point where we can’t even trust our own government.”

COSAARPR provided support in coordination with the students, providing equipment, signs, hot chocolate, as well as buttons and information about local victims of police crimes and the fight for community control of the police. Community members also made and brought buttons to share. A former classmate spoke about Good and thanked current students for fighting for justice for her.

After hours of chanting at the corner of a busy intersection, students marched back to Coronado High School, where they continued chanting until school got out. It was a powerful day of student-led protest, communal grieving for Renee Good, and calls for justice, accountability and change.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #ImmigrantRights #ReneeGood #HighSchool #COSAARPR

Colorado Springs, CO – On December 11, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered outside of the 4th Judicial District attorney’s office to demand justice for Alex-Martinez Sarmiento.

The main demand was that District Attorney Michael Allen indict Officer Connor Jacob Wallick. Over a dozen COSAARPR and community members arrived outside the DA’s office in solidarity for Martinez-Sarmiento, picketing outside the main door. The indictment demand, and the demand for more transparency for Martinez-Sarmiento’s family, were spoken loud and clear by participating community members.

Justin Barraza, a COSAARPR member, called to question the lack of community trust in Colorado Springs PD. In his speech, Barraza quoted Officer Wallick, “‘I didn't want to reach for my taser because my gun was already out, and tasers don't work.’ Is that the level of community trust we should expect from our police force?”

The loss of Martinez-Sarmiento is felt by his family, friends and members of the community. As members shared with passersby flyers calling for justice for Martinez-Sarmiento, the crowd expressed that running away should not be a death sentence, chanting, “Running away! Don't shoot!” and “Indict Wallick now!”

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #COSAARPR #PoliceCrimes #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops

Colorado Springs, CO – On Dec 7, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) joined the family of Richard Arford for a candlelight vigil outside of the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) headquarters to demand transparency and insight into the ongoing investigation of Richard Arford’s death.

Chants of “Justice for Richard” rang out as the family and community gathered at sunset.

Richard Arford was a 31-year-old gay Chicano man who, in September, was found stripped naked, bruised and unconscious, in an abandoned building on fire near the Platte Avenue and Academy Boulevard intersection in Colorado Springs. The circumstances surrounding Richard’s death are unusual and it has left the family to believe that Richard was attacked.

“Richard had so much ahead of him, he had things to look forward to,” Olivia Bower, Richard’s mother, said in an interview with local news networks, “He wouldn’t do this to himself.”

While CSPD is investigating this case, Bower states CSPD has only spoken to the family over the phone, and they are challenging the lack of communication and oversight in this investigation. The family and community are putting pressure on CSPD to investigate Arford’s death as a homicide; meanwhile, CSPD has stated they aren’t investigating it as a suicide or as a homicide, but, rather, just as a “death.”

During the vigil, Bower spoke to the crowd, “The person that Richard was, he really was the light of my life. He brought joy to our family – I just hope and pray we get answers. I love you, Richard.”

Other community members spoke to demand justice and affirm commitment to fight for it. “As a mother of three, this one hits hard. It hits hard because the only piece of him she had for Thanksgiving was when she was finally given his death certificate,” said Sarah Katzin, an organizer with COSAARPR.

Another organizer, Bug Peterson, said “When people lose their loved ones in devastating ways they shouldn’t have to fight the police for transparency, information and action. We need community control of the police.”

Also endorsing the action in support of Arford’s family were Colorado Indigenous Brown Berets and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #COSAARPR

Colorado Springs, CO – On November 22 the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) joined together with the family of Alex Martinez-Sarmiento. They gathered outside the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Colorado Springs to rally for the 26-year-old father who was shot and killed by police earlier in the year.

The family and COSAARPR demanded that District Attorney Michael Allen meet with the victim's family and move to indict killer cop Connor Jacob Wallick.

Alex Martinez-Sarmiento was shot and killed on July 5, in downtown Colorado Springs outside of a nightclub. Colorado Springs Police Department officer Connor Jacob Wallick approached Martinez-Sarmiento at approximately 1 a.m. holding his firearm sideways after an argument was reported to have taken place. Martinez-Sarmiento can be seen in bodycam footage throwing his hands up before turning around and fleeing out of fear for his life.

Wallick proceeded to shoot Martinez-Sarmiento three times in the back before making an arrest on his dead body. Police claim that Martinez-Sarmiento was reaching for a firearm as he was pulling up his pants. However, bodycam footage shows police having to physically rip and cut open his pants to retrieve his firearm. The video shows the gun was not in a place where he could have drawn it.

”We always hear the police say how they feared for their life, but the only person who drew a gun and shot someone was Connor Jacob Wallick. I’d say that Alex feared for his life more,” said Jessie Proffitt, an organizer with COSAARPR.

“District Attorney Michael Allen can easily work towards the path of justice, healing and restoring community trust in our legal system by meeting with the family and holding this officer accountabl,.” said Proffitt.

“He wasn’t just my brother, he was my reminder that love can be fierce, gentle and unforgettable at once,” said Saray Rocha, Alex Martinez-Sarmiento’s older sister, in a press statement.

The police murder of Martinez-Sarmiento has left an unfillable hole in the hearts of his family. Faces of grief and sorrow filled the crowd and chants of “Running away, don’t shoot!” rang in the ears of everyone who could hear the group.

The crowd also chanted, “Indict, convict! We will not stop! We will not quit!” and “Indict Wallick now!”

Presently, Wallick is back on duty with the Colorado Springs Police Department.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #PoliceBrutality #COSAARPR #NAARPR #Feature

Colorado Springs, CO – On November 13, workers from the Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) rallied with their allies at a unionized Starbucks store in Colorado Springs to begin their “Red Cup Rebellion, ” strike against unfair labor practice. SBWU called this strike after Starbucks refused to finalize a union contract earlier in the year that would address worker demands for higher pay, better staffing, and address hundreds of unfair labor practice charges.

Around 90 people picketed in front of the drive-through window of the Starbucks store holding picket signs and shouting phrases like “What’s disgusting? Union busting!” and “What’s appalling? Bosses stalling!” Among them were allies from both the general community as well as several organizations, such as the Colorado Springs Labor Council, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Democratic Socialists of America, and Teamsters for a Democratic Union.

Before the picket, members from SBWU spoke in front of the crowd, railing against Starbucks’ anti-worker practices and highlighting the importance of worker solidarity.

“The bosses are scared because they realize we have the control and they don’t want us to know that,” said Raven Sage, SBWU strike captain. “These are the same bosses that say we don’t work hard enough, and yet they’ve never worn a green apron,” Sage continued, as she spoke about the CEO Brian Niccol, who had recently told corporate employees to “work harder” in an internal message. Sage concluded with a call to action to unite and strike, stating, “I think he’s right! I think we need to work harder to unite and remind him that we need leaders, not bosses!”

SBWU member and store employee Olivia Fisk spoke on Starbucks’ efforts to blame SBWU for customer frustration, saying “they want the public to think we’re the problem for standing up for ourselves, but we’re not the problem; we’re the reason Starbucks runs at all.” Fisk went on to explain the importance of worker unity, saying “when we stand together we show Starbucks and every other company watching that workers aren’t disposable and we won’t be silent.”

Allies of SBWU also stepped up to the mic to declare support of the strike and worker power.

“I’m out here because the only way we fight is through the power of solidarity,” said Keegan Estrella, a Teamsters member. Estrella noted, “every single brick on this building, every bit of concrete on the ground – it was made by people power.” Estrella declared Teamsters’ support for the strike, stating “It’s not easy to be out here, so it’s important for us to keep showing and keep backing them, and the Teamsters are going to be doing just that.” As more people spoke, a Teamster UPS driver passed by and honked in support.

Kat Draken, FRSO member, pointed out how much is being taken from the workers, noting that “Last year, Starbucks made $37 billion; of that, CEO Brian Niccol took home $39 million – as people said, 6666 times as much as the average worker.” Draken pointed out that all of this money is made “off the hard work of Starbucks workers.” Draken called Starbucks’ claim that it can’t pay workers a living wage “bullshit,” noting that “Starbucks is one of the most valuable restaurant brands in the United States. It makes $100,000 in [annual] revenue per worker.” Draken called for action and worker solidarity, declaring “Workers are being robbed, and it’s time to fight back!”

After speeches, the crowd began to picket the store for an hour before the rally concluded. SBWU workers plan to picket until Starbucks comes to the table to negotiate the contract and address their unfair labor practice. Until then, SBWU strike captains ask for people not to cross the picket line. Strike captains also invite the public to come out and support them on the picket line or contribute financially to the general SBWU fund or any local SBWU funds.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike

Colorado Springs, CO – On November 13, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) will meet at Fire Station 8 for the first time since being denied the public meeting space in September for political reasons.

On September 4, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) notified COSAARPR that the city attorney had called the CSFD to say that the organization could not meet at fire stations in Colorado Springs. The politics of COSAARPR were described in a letter as “fundamentally incompatible with the Fire Department’s basic public safety mission which includes our partnership with the Colorado Springs Police Department.”

One week later, COSAARPR released a statement online calling the cancellation a “blatant attack on our right to partake in the political life and development of our city” and demanding access to the space. In the following weeks, COSAARPR continued to make reservations to meet at Fire Station 8.

On October 11, COSAARPR escalated the campaign by holding a press conference in front of the fire station, criticizing the city for attacking the organization's ability to assemble and use a public space. Brandon Rincon, founder of COSAARPR, started by emphasizing that COSAARPR is an organization that “works alongside various families of Black, Chicano, Latino and indigenous descent who have lost loved ones to police shootings and racist violence.”

Rincon described the decision of the city attorney’s office as “racist political games” and “a field of struggle for continued repression” of COSAARPR. He also noted that this comes after COSAARPR “forced two bogus obstruction charges to a path of dismissal,” referring to charges members of the group were served at their homes after a march COSAARPR led in early March.

On October 24, the Colorado Springs Fire Department contacted COSAARPR and informed them that they had received word that COSAARPR is able to meet at the fire station moving forward, marking another victory for the group against repression from the police.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #COSAARPR #InJusticeSystem #NAARPR #PoliceCrimes #FreeSpeech

Colorado Springs, CO – On October 29, organizers with Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) gathered at a unionized Starbucks store in Colorado Springs to hold a practice picket in preparation to strike. Members of the Colorado Springs Labor Council, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Democratic Socialists of America joined the practice picket.

At the practice picket, labor organizers shared speeches that called for a living wage for Starbucks workers. Caleb Cobb, a Teamster and member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization spoke, saying “We’ve seen for at least the last three years Starbucks continue to union bust and destroy the contract campaigns across the nation. Workers here are finally making a stand and saying ‘we won’t turn around!’”

“This is a greedy corporation led by a greedy CEO, and we’re going to be standing in solidarity with the workers as they negotiate this contract,” said Michael Wilkins, staff organizer for SBWU in Colorado. “We’re out here to support the workers. The workers deserve fair pay, they deserve more control over their hours, and they deserve better healthcare.”

Lauren Allen, a former employee who helped form the organizing committee at the store being picketed, shared a desire to “continue to support [Starbucks workers] even though I don’t work here anymore. It’s really important for me to show up to support, keep the morale up, and let them know that I’m still with them in this fight for a contract.”

A picket line was formed in front of the store, with multiple megaphones used so that chants could be heard inside. The picket line was made up of more than 20 attendees. Chants included “No contract, no coffee,” “Respect our rights, or expect our strikes,” and “What’s outrageous? Starbuck’s wages! What’s disgusting? Union busting!”

Since this was a practice picket, the store was operating normally. However, there is currently a national vote among SBWU for a strike authorization that appears likely to succeed. When it does, workers in Colorado Springs will be ready to join the national strike.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #Labor #Starbucks #SBWU #Strike #Feature

Colorado Springs, CO – On October 11, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) gathered at local Fire Station 8 to protest the cancellation of a booking of the community meeting space by the fire chief of Colorado Springs, in conjunction with the city attorney’s office.

COSAARPR was denied this space due to their activism demanding community control of the police and justice for victims of police crimes. In a letter stating that the group’s booking of the community room would be cancelled, Fire Accreditation Administrator Catherine Kosse stated that the department prohibits groups or activities that are “fundamentally incompatible with the Fire Department’s basic public safety mission which includes our partnership with the Colorado Springs Police Department.” The letter failed to state what activities made the group incompatible with basic public safety.

Brandon Rincon, founder and chair of COSAARPR, stated during the press conference, “This is a blatant attack on the people of Colorado Springs’ right to assemble. It is our belief that the city attorney’s actions are a clear violation of the First Amendment.” Rincon continued, “We are under attack for a perceived political alignment. We demand the city attorney’s office stop its racist and repressive tactics to stifle freedom of speech.” While delivering his statements, Rincon was surrounded by supporters bearing signs stating, “Hands off the movement” and “Protect freedom of assembly.”

Despite this attack on the group’s ability to organize, COSAARPR remains committed in their fight for community control of the police, and they will continue their fight for justice by working closely with families of victims of police crimes.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #COSAARPR

Colorado Springs, CO – On July 21, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression rallied community forces to support the family of Alex Martinez and confront the city’s Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission after the release of police body-cam footage. A crowd of about 20 community members joined the sister and mother-in-law of Alex Martinez. Many community members and organizers gave public comment demanding accountability, transparency and an independent investigation into the police shooting of Alex Martinez.

The Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission (LETAC) called a “Public Listening Session” or townhall meeting, in response to the recent Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD )shootings of Alex Martinez and Jesus Ramirez Jr.

LETAC is a chartered commission in the city of Colorado Springs meant to be a “bridge” between the community and city council and local law enforcement, often self-described as a “conduit.” LETAC was established after the murder of De’von Bailey and the George Floyd uprising. Its representatives are appointed by the city council and mayor. It lacks any legal jurisdiction or oversight over the police; instead, it is limited to recommendations and advice.

Currently the commission is split between those with a working-class background and those with a law enforcement background. Notable commissioners are Sherryl Dillion, who is the executive director of the Colorado Springs Police Protection Association and Christopher Burns, who is an ex-CSPD officer.

Brandon Rincon, a leader in the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, took to the microphone and said, “Police cannot police themselves, we know that LETAC doesn’t have investigative power, so we are asking that LETAC write a recommendation to city council for an independent investigation, outside of internal affairs and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.”

In El Paso County, CSPD and El Paso County Sheriff's Office lead all investigations into officer-involved shootings, with CSPD investigating the sheriff’s office and the sheriff’s office investigating CSPD. This poisonous arrangement erodes community trust, especially as the sheriff's office just shot and killed someone in Security-Widefield on July 18. It is in these departments' interest to justify these shootings to skirt justice, legal repercussions and financial losses through lawsuits.

Many community members also spoke to the police conduct during the night of Martinez’s murder, highlighting a clear disregard for anyone's life besides their own.

“Alex was shot in the back as he was running away, this is a double standard because if I shot someone in the back who was running away I would be charged with murder,” said Chris Hernandez, a childhood friend of Alex Martinez.

“I also am calling for an investigation independent of law enforcement. I want us to come together as a community to make sure this doesn’t happen to others; we need an elected board to investigate these shootings,” said Chris. “Once police received a call about a rifle they should’ve secured the area and located the person with the rifle, not Alex, instead they shot him in a crowded parking lot” said Veronica Martinez, Alex’s mother in law.

As the sheriff’s investigation continues, the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression is committed to standing with the family and elevating their demands for an independent investigation and the immediate firing and indictment of CSPD Officer Wallace.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #KillerCops #CSAARPR #NAARPR #PoliceCrimes

Colorado Springs, CO – On July 6, the family and friends of Alex Martinez gathered to mourn their loss after his life was taken by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) the previous morning.

Over 50 people gathered with candles and balloons around a shrine erected in the spot in the downtown parking lot where CSPD shot Martinez in the back. Wails and cries could be heard throughout the crowd as dozens of balloons took to the skies.

CSPD states that on July 5 at 1:30 a.m. they responded to a call about a disturbance involving an adult male displaying a firearm. CSPD’s statement continues that officers monitoring downtown cameras “located an individual matching the description provided,” and that when they approached Martinez, he turned and started to run away while reaching into his waistband, at which point at least one officer shot him. A livestream posted by a community member of the aftermath shows an angry crowd gathered around the officers yelling at them that they didn’t have to shoot him.

This account of events is very similar to the account that CSPD shared after shooting De’Von Bailey in the back three times on August 19, 2019. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office states that it has begun an investigation into CSPD’s fatal shooting.

Martinez’s shooting comes one week after the shooting of another Chicano man, Jesus Ramirez, Jr. During this altercation police fired more than ten rounds into the surrounding apartment complex and afterwards left Ramirez’ body in the courtyard for 12 hours. This shooting also shares similarities with the shooting earlier in the year of a Black man, Johnny Altman, as he was running away from the CSPD in a parking lot. Martinez’ shooting marks the sixth fatal shooting by CSPD this year. Colorado Springs is currently on track to have its deadliest year of police shootings in over a decade.

The Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (COSAARPR) attended the vigil. They were invited by a family member after an action for Martinez the night before on July 5. During that action, spokesperson Brandon Rincon said, “We know, time and time again, that when police shoot a person, the person who ends up investigating the police department is the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and we know, time and time again, that police cannot investigate the police.”

Rincon demanded accountability, saying “We call for community control of the police because we know that we need an apparatus to hold police accountable, so we don’t have to come out here into the streets every time the police shoot and kill one of our community members.”

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #InJusticeSystem #COSAARPR #KillerCops #PoliceBrutality #ChicanoLatino #OppressedNationalities

Colorado Springs, CO – On Saturday, May 3, the Denver district of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) held a panel in Colorado Springs about the history of International Workers Day, also known as May Day. The event was hosted by three FRSO members who formed a panel that spoke on the history of the holiday and discussed present-day issues that face workers and immigrants alike in Colorado and across the United States.

A couple dozen people came from the community to hear the organizers from FRSO. One panelist, Brandon Gehrke, an immigrant rights organizer, pointed out, “Workers are creating all of the wealth in the world, and that doesn’t reflect in our wages – that doesn’t reflect in our life.” He continued, “The way we fight back against that is through collective organizing.”

The panel continued to affirm the need to continue organizing. Across all areas of work, the consensus of the panel was that even though hard-earned gains like the eight-hour workday were eventually won by the struggle of workers, the workers still need to continue to maintain momentum in organizing because, as community organizer Brandon Rincon said, “We have a world to win!”

As the panel came to a close, it could not go out quietly. Jessie Proffitt, who emceed the event, led those in the room in singing Solidarity Forever.

As attendees mingled afterwards, there was a sense of community in the room, with attendees talking about their different work and organizing experiences.

#ColoradoSpringsCO #CO #Labor #ImmigrantRights #FRSO #MayDay