Welcome to the weekly update from the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity! Here, we give you a wrap-up of the latest developments and notable news as we continue our state-focused fight to abolish the unjust rule.
This week, the nation demands justice for Patrick Lyoya; activists and law enforcement officials come together to help end qualified immunity in New York; rogue cops stop an 8-year-old boy over stolen chips; and more!
FEATURED STORY
The Washington Post: Another Black Man Killed By Police: When Is Enough Enough?
“It has been two years since the video of George Floyd gasping for air under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer horrified a nation. How could such a needless and brutal death occur? That same question is being asked once again after the release of graphic videos showing the death of another Black man at the hands of another White police officer, shot in the back of the head as he was on the ground. Another question must be asked: When will enough be enough?”
Read more here.
NEW YORK
“What kind of society is it where there’s a group of people that aren’t held accountable?” Retired NBA star Etan Thomas, Ben & Jerry’s co-founders, and a prominent lineup of activists and law enforcement officials came together this week for a virtual open dialogue in support of
S 1991, the civil rights bill to end qualified immunity in New York.
Watch here.
Syracuse police stopped an 8-year-old boy over a stolen bag of chips. When his father, Anthony Weah, saw the viral video of the incident, he was horrified: “Why would the police treat that child like that? Over a $3 bag of chips.” Weah plans to file a complaint against the officers.
Read more here.
VERMONT
Vermont State Trooper Zachary Gauthier committed perjury when he punched his family’s dog—and then lied about it under oath. Investigators determined that the rogue cop also lied about the presence of alcohol in a vehicle he was operating that crashed. As of last week, Gauthier has resigned.
Read more here.
MARYLAND
On Tuesday, April 19, the Montgomery County Council voted unanimously to pass Expedited Bill 49-21, which will establish a Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee for the county. “Montgomery County stands ready to meet this critical moment facing our society and wants to make certain that our County residents, including our police officers, are protected from harm and remain on the same path toward justice,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz.
Read more here.
ADDITIONAL NEWS
The New York Times: Cities Try to Turn the Tide on Police Traffic Stops
“Los Angeles is overhauling its traffic policing, aiming to stop pulling over cars — frequently with Black drivers — for trivial infractions like broken tail lights or expired tags as a pretext to search for drugs or guns…The latest example is the death in Grand Rapids, Mich., of Patrick Lyoya, an unarmed 26-year-old Black man who was pulled over for a mismatched license plate and, after a brief struggle, was apparently shot in the head from behind.”
Read more here.
ABC 13: Grand Rapids Police Release Video of Officer Shooting, Killing Patrick Lyoya
“The Lyoya family came to our country in pursuit of the American dream, but instead are now living a traumatic American nightmare as they have to bury their loved one due to police brutality.”
Read more here.
The Washington Post: What Black Cops Know About Racism in Policing
“It shouldn’t be at all surprising, then, that traditions, customs, policies and institutions…have racism built into their foundations. To give one example, the doctrine of qualified immunity… was first articulated (or more accurately, invented) by the Supreme Court to protect Mississippi cops who had arrested civil rights protesters.”
Read more here.
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