Utah protesters call for end to police brutality and racist discrimination in Ogden
Ogden, UT – On a wet and cold Dec. 13, protesters gathered at the Ogden City courthouse to demand an end to police brutality in Utah and all across the U.S. In Utah, police murders are outpacing murders committed by drug dealers, gang members and child abusers. In the wake of the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, police killed Dillon Taylor and Darrien Hunt in Utah. People have had enough.
50 people rallied to a call for justice for victims of police violence and their families. They chanted popular slogans in solidarity with protesters in other cities: “Black lives matter!” “I can't breathe!' and “Hands up, don't shoot!”
Malik Dayo spoke to the crowd, “The police are practicing racial profiling and it has got to end!” Latino youth are the main target of discriminatory practices by the Ogden police.
After the rally came to a close, protesters took their message on a march through the area, where Ogden families were gathered to enjoy the Christmas displays in City Hall Park.
Chris Manor, an organizer with Utah Against Police Brutality said, “It's great that people in Ogden are starting to build the struggle against police brutality. Even the smallest action plants the seeds which grow into a larger movement.”
Activists in Utah are using the hashtag #utahprotests for live updates on the ground.