INSIDER
March For Justice planned for Jalen Randle, victim of deadly police shooting
Read full article: March For Justice planned for Jalen Randle, victim of deadly police shootingA family is fighting for justice after a Harris County Grand Jury took no action against a Houston Police Officer who shot and killed their son a year ago.
8 Ohio officers won’t be charged in shooting of Jayland Walker
Read full article: 8 Ohio officers won’t be charged in shooting of Jayland WalkerA grand jury has voted not to indict eight Ohio police officers who fired 94 rounds at Jayland Walker after a car and foot chase that ended in the 25-year-old Black man being shot to death last summer.
7 deputies, 3 employees charged with 2nd-degree murder after Black man smothered to death at mental hospital
Read full article: 7 deputies, 3 employees charged with 2nd-degree murder after Black man smothered to death at mental hospitalAttorneys for the family of a Black Virginia man who died in law enforcement custody say video of the incident shows seven sheriff’s deputies pushing down “every part of his body” with “absolute brutality.”.
3 Memphis fire department employees terminated for ‘multiple’ violations in connection to Tyre Nichols’ death, officials say
Read full article: 3 Memphis fire department employees terminated for ‘multiple’ violations in connection to Tyre Nichols’ death, officials sayMemphis police say two more officers involved in the arrest, beating and death of Tyre Nichols have been disciplined.
#EndSARS movement spreading in Houston; first-generation Nigerian Americans speak out about the violence
Read full article: #EndSARS movement spreading in Houston; first-generation Nigerian Americans speak out about the violenceThe violence erupted during peaceful protests that were meant to bring to light rampant abuses at the hands of police. Mayor Sylvester Turner, several community leaders and people gathered Friday night at Houston’s city hall to remember the young lives lost during the peaceful protest in Nigeria. Peter Uwalaka and Elizabeth Opara are members of the UIU chapter in Houston and are first-generation Nigerian Americans. People tired of the violence against peaceful protest and police brutality. On Saturday, the Houston UIU Chapter will have a protest march to bring awareness to the atrocities in Nigeria.
Prosecutor: Release of secret grand jury proceedings in Breonna Taylor’s killing by police will be delayed until Friday
Read full article: Prosecutor: Release of secret grand jury proceedings in Breonna Taylor’s killing by police will be delayed until FridayLOUISVILLE, Ky – The release of secret grand jury proceedings in Breonna Taylor’s killing by police will be delayed until Friday, according to the Kentucky attorney general’s office. The grand jury decided this month not to charge any of the police officers involved with her death; instead, one officer was charged with shooting into a neighboring home. Activists and Taylor’s family called for the grand jury file to be released. One of two Louisville police officers shot during protests last week called for law enforcement, protesters and other city residents to work together to move forward. Facing questions about the grand jury this week, Cameron acknowledged that he did not recommend homicide charges for the offices involved.
Activist Trae Tha Truth, Mayor Turner help unveil ‘Say Their Names’ traveling memorial exhibit honoring Black lives lost
Read full article: Activist Trae Tha Truth, Mayor Turner help unveil ‘Say Their Names’ traveling memorial exhibit honoring Black lives lostHOUSTON – A traveling memorial honoring more than 200 Black Americans from Martin Luther King Jr. to George Floyd arrived in Houston on Monday. Houston rapper, activist and philanthropist Trae The Truth led the effort to bring the “Say Their Names” exhibit to his hometown, which was set up and unveiled Monday evening at Emancipation Park. “What we’re doing with things like this, we’ll be able to spark a whole new wave of helping people understand why we say their names across the world,” Trae The Truth said. The exhibition began in Portland, Oregon, on Juneteenth 2020, established by the group “Say Their Names Memorial.” The exhibit has traveled to 25 cities so far, most recently in Dallas. The memorial will be open from Tuesday through October 13, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.For more information, go to www.saytheirnamesmemorials.com.
Officer charged in Breonna Taylor case pleads not guilty
Read full article: Officer charged in Breonna Taylor case pleads not guiltyLOUISVILLE, Ky. – The lone Kentucky detective facing charges related to the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor pleaded not guilty Monday. The decision not to charge the officers set off protests in Louisville and across the country. On Monday, Louisville's mayor lifted the curfew put in place after people refused to end their nighttime protests. Her response comes after Democratic state Rep. Attica Scott was charged with the felony last week while participating in Louisville protests for racial justice. Many marched along Louisville’s streets chanting “Breonna Taylor, say her name,” and “no justice, no peace."
Houstonians propose citizen’s board to hold HPD accountable
Read full article: Houstonians propose citizen’s board to hold HPD accountableHOUSTON – A group of local community leaders proposed a Houston Police Independent Citizens Investigative Board to create transparency between the community and the Houston Police Department. The board would be comprised of community members from multiple organizations and the law schools at Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. The citizens' investigative board would work to ban the use of no-knock warrants. According to the proposal, the board would be funded by the City of Houston budget not to exceed $3 million a year. Turner also appointed a Policing Reforms Task Force to review Houston Police Department policies and practices.
Gov. Greg Abbott calls for new crimes, mandatory jail time for certain offenses related to protests
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for new crimes, mandatory jail time for certain offenses related to protestsGreg Abbott issued a string of new legislative proposals to raise penalties and create new crimes for offenses committed at protests. Abbott’s proposals would create felony-level offenses for causing injury or destroying property during what is deemed to be a “riot.” Blocking hospital entrances and using lasers to target police would also be felony offenses, Abbott said. Striking an officer with something like a water bottle would lead to a mandatory minimum of six months in jail. Many protesters in Texas have been arrested on suspicion of such offenses since protests erupted in May after the death of George Floyd. DeSantis' proposal also created new crimes and enhanced penalties like Abbott’s proposal, including a mandatory six months in jail for striking an officer.
2 Louisville officers shot amid Breonna Taylor protests
Read full article: 2 Louisville officers shot amid Breonna Taylor protestsPolice move after a Louisville Police officer was shot, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. He says the officers were shot after investigating reports of gunfire at an intersection where there was a large crowd. Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home during a narcotics investigation. State Attorney General Daniel Cameron said that while the officers had a no-knock warrant, the investigation showed they announced themselves before entering. ___This story has been updated to clarify that, according to the investigation, officers did not execute the warrant as a no-knock warrant, not that they didn’t use a no-knock warrant.
'Arrest the system:’ Houston activists outraged by Kentucky grand jury decision in Breonna Taylor case
Read full article: 'Arrest the system:’ Houston activists outraged by Kentucky grand jury decision in Breonna Taylor caseHOUSTON – NAACP Houston Vice President James Dixon II called the “shameful decision" by the Kentucky grand jury in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor a “deplorable misrepresentation” of the criminal justice system. "No one is being held responsible for the death for Breonna Taylor in this indictment. “Arrest the system, which refuse to arrest the killers of Breonna Taylor,” he said. The justice system failed Breonna Taylor and, as such, failed us. Our efforts to realize justice for Breonna Taylor should be redirected to bring attention to the faulty and burdensome justice system that compromises our society’s moral and humane fabric.
Police cancel vacations, prepare for Kentucky AG’s decision on whether or not to charge officers in Breonna Taylor’s death
Read full article: Police cancel vacations, prepare for Kentucky AG’s decision on whether or not to charge officers in Breonna Taylor’s deathLOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville, Kentucky, police said Monday that they had canceled vacations and were setting up barricades in preparation for the state attorney general’s announcement about whether he will charge officers in Breonna Taylor’s shooting death. “It is important to note that (Cameron) has said there is no timetable for the announcement,” the statement added. “When the investigation concludes and a decision is made, we will provide an update about an announcement,” he said. Celebrities, athletes, activists and Taylor’s family have for months pushed Cameron to criminally charge the officers involved in the raid. Last week, the city of Louisville settled a lawsuit from Taylor’s family for $12 million and pledged several police reforms as part of the agreement.
In crackdown on violent protesters, Justice Dept. says federal sedition charge may be applied
Read full article: In crackdown on violent protesters, Justice Dept. says federal sedition charge may be appliedNeither was a man accused of shooting and killing a demonstrator in Louisville following the death of Breonna Taylor. Demonstrations have slowed, though not necessarily because of the federal charges. Carroll accused federal authorities of using the cases to try to make the protests seem more violent and disruptive than they really were. “There is absolutely an agenda here to blow these out of proportion, make these look more serious or more sinister than it is,” Barnett said of the pursuit of federal charges. “This is the Justice Department, from the top, furthering an agenda that has nothing to do with justice,” he said.
Dallas' 1st Black female police chief to step down Nov. 10
Read full article: Dallas' 1st Black female police chief to step down Nov. 10DALLAS U. Rene Hall, the first Black woman to lead the Dallas police force, has submitted her resignation effective Nov. 10, the city announced Tuesday. Hall's resignation letter, which the city provided to The Associated Press, didn't give a reason for stepping down. She wrote that Dallas police have dealt with an unthinkable series of events since she took office in 2017. Hall said shes proud of how the department coped and implemented critical reforms." Halls resignation letter hints that she will continue police work but says shes keeping her next steps confidential.
Change is necessary: Texans post powerful video supporting Black Lives Matter
Read full article: Change is necessary: Texans post powerful video supporting Black Lives MatterHOUSTON Players of the Houston Texans were featured in a powerful video supporting Black Lives Matter. The minute-and-a-half-long video, players start off by saying, No one should feel scared for their life simply because of the color of their skin.The players addressed recent incidents, such as the cases of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Jacob Blake, involving Black people who have been killed or injured at the hands of police officers. The Texans said they are committed to change by taking action and posted six actions the team will take to address police brutality against African Americans. Read the following actions below:
Debate over defunding the Houston Police Department heats up after Austin slashes budget
Read full article: Debate over defunding the Houston Police Department heats up after Austin slashes budgetMany of these calls have coalesced into a “defund the police” movement in cities across the country, including in Houston. “We’re talking about making sure there’s money in programs where it’s needed,” said Ashton Woods, the head of Black Lives Matter Houston. Dr. James Douglas, President of the Houston NAACP, wants to see HPD spend its money differently. “Just arresting people alone is not going to reduce crime,” he said. When we asked Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner for his thoughts, he said he believes the budget is in line with the city’s needs.
Plan advances to allow dismantling Minneapolis Police Dept.
Read full article: Plan advances to allow dismantling Minneapolis Police Dept.The Minneapolis City Council is voting Friday, June 26, 2020, on a proposal to do away with the city's police department and create a new community safety and violence prevention department. While the majority of City Council members have said they would support dismantling the police department after the death of George Floyd, the ultimate decision to amend the city charter would go before voters in November. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews File)MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis City Council on Friday unanimously advanced a proposal to change the city charter to allow the police department to be dismantled, following widespread criticism of law enforcement over the killing of George Floyd. It also comes amid a spate of recent shootings in Minnesota’s largest city that have heightened many citizens’ concerns about talk of dismantling the department. Ten years from now, Council member Steve Fletcher predicted, everybody will be looking to emulate the Minneapolis model.
Walmart gets backlash over T-shirts with ‘All Lives Matter’ and ‘Irish Lives Matter’ slogans
Read full article: Walmart gets backlash over T-shirts with ‘All Lives Matter’ and ‘Irish Lives Matter’ slogans(CNN) – Walmart is facing heat for selling T-shirts that feature variations of the "Black Lives Matter" slogan, including "All Lives Matter," "Blue Lives Matter," "Irish Lives Matter" and "Homeless Lives Matter." In a comment to CBC, Walmart Canada said it "stand[s] against any form of racism or discrimination." As of Thursday afternoon, the "All Lives Matter" T-shirts were no longer visible on the Walmart Canada website. In December, Walmart Canada apologized for making available a Christmas sweater with an apparent drug reference. T-shirts bearing “All Lives Matter,” “Blue Lives Matter” and “Irish Lives Matter” slogans are also selling on Amazon.
New taskforce to review city of Houston’s Independent Police Oversight Board as part of reforms
Read full article: New taskforce to review city of Houston’s Independent Police Oversight Board as part of reformsHOUSTON – A new task force on police reform, announced Wednesday by Mayor Sylvester Turner, will take a closer look at the city’s Independent Police Oversight Board. Douglas has long pushed the city for an oversight board that initiates it’s own investigations and takes its findings to the District Attorney’s office, which is something the board cannot do right now. “It’s a nice thing to say we have a citizens’ review board, but if they can’t do anything it’s just window dressing,” he said. He told KPRC 2 that board members are unpaid volunteers who review about 275 cases each year. The board can’t start its own investigations, only review cases provided by HPD.
Texas Democrats urge Abbott to call special session as details emerge showing Javier Ambler’s death at the hands of sheriff’s deputies
Read full article: Texas Democrats urge Abbott to call special session as details emerge showing Javier Ambler’s death at the hands of sheriff’s deputiesLocal and state leaders are calling for the resignation of Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and for the deputies involved in Javier Ambler’s death to be fired. Last year, Williamson County deputies pursued Ambler in a car chase for 22 minutes, after trying to pull him over for not dimming his headlights. Williamson County sheriff’s department maintains that its deputies did nothing wrong, according to an internal affairs investigation obtained by the Statesman. Moore needs to focus on completing her 16-month-old Ambler investigation. Instead, she is trying to blame her own failures on the Williamson County Sheriff's Department,” Chody tweeted.
Police department policies vary when it comes to releasing body camera video
Read full article: Police department policies vary when it comes to releasing body camera video“If anyone wants to see a video they need to contact the police department,” Acevedo said. Acevedo said at present, only family members would be able to review video, and only if they approved its release. Lovie Williams Linzer is one family member who asked to see the body cam video of her nephew’s death. “We want to see the video and we won’t stop.”Differing video release policiesIn 2015, Texas adopted body camera guidelines for all law enforcement in the state, but they left the decision on whether to release the videos to each individual department. HPD remains committed to working with the family representative in such incidents and to the issue of transparency regarding body worn cameras.”
Mayor Turner issues executive order to ban chokeholds in Houston; city council discusses defunding police
Read full article: Mayor Turner issues executive order to ban chokeholds in Houston; city council discusses defunding policeHOUSTON – City council members discussed next year’s city budget as protesters demanded change outside City Hall. Dozens gathered for a rally Wednesday, a day after George Floyd was laid to rest. The council members talked about the re-allocation of nearly $12 million in under-utilized funds to be redirected to city programs, as well as enhanced training for HPD. George Floyd died because of the end result.”At the funeral of Floyd, Mayor Turner said he would sign an executive order to ban chokeholds, require officers de-escalate situations and use all options before lethal force. “George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis after chokeholds have been banned, you can’t keep ordering executive on orders on something that’s not working,” said Woods.
Debate swirls around ‘qualified immunity’ that protects police officers from lawsuits
Read full article: Debate swirls around ‘qualified immunity’ that protects police officers from lawsuitsUniversity of Houston law professor Emily Berman said officers are granted qualified immunity if they can show their actions were done in good faith. Gamaldi argues removing qualified immunity would also leave officers vulnerable to civil liability if a law is later struck down as unconstitutional. Mills contends qualified immunity can remove a citizen’s right to have their case heard by a jury. The courts granted the officer qualified immunity and the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, ending the matter without a trial. Two bills have also been filed that would end qualified immunity in its current state.
Harris County DA dismisses nearly 800 cases against peaceful protesters arrested during police brutality marches
Read full article: Harris County DA dismisses nearly 800 cases against peaceful protesters arrested during police brutality marchesHOUSTON – The Harris County District Attorney dismissed nearly 800 cases against protesters who were arrested during marches against police brutality in the past three weeks. DA Kim Ogg announced that prosecutors dismissed 796 cases after conducting a review that divided the cases into two groups — those who sought to do harm to others and property and those arrested for simple civil disobedience. The cases dismissed were for non-violent misdemeanor offenses, mostly obstructing a highway and trespassing. Only 51 adults and one juvenile now remain charged with active cases, which include 35 misdemeanor charges and 19 felony charges. “The only people I will be prosecuting are those who intentionally hurt others and intentionally destroy property.”
The death of George Floyd: A timeline
Read full article: The death of George Floyd: A timelinePeople march and ride horses to protest the death of George Floyd in Houston on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Hennepin County Sheriff)The first of several memorial services for George Floyd was held in Minneapolis. Thousands thronged to the Fountain of Praise church to pay their respects to George Floyd ahead of his funeral Tuesday. June 8: Judge Lina Hidalgo declares June 9 ‘George Perry Floyd, Jr. Day’ in Harris CountyHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed a proclamation commemorating Tuesday, June 9 as “George Perry Floyd, Jr. Day” in Harris County. June 9: Houston mayor Sylvester Turner declares June 9 ‘George Perry Floyd, Jr. Day’ in HoustonHouston mayor Sylvester Turner has declared June 9 ‘George Perry Floyd, Jr. Day’ in Houston.
In one week there were at least 8 instances of police using excessive force caught on camera
Read full article: In one week there were at least 8 instances of police using excessive force caught on cameraBut in several cases, the country has also witnessed what appears to be excessive police force against protesters, reporters and bystanders. Video shows the officers breaking the windows of a vehicle and yanking a woman out of the car. In one 27-second video posted to Twitter, a New York Police Department vehicle plows through a crowd of protesters. And a third video shows an officer pushing a woman to the ground during protests. De Blasio has set up an independent review by the Corporation Counsel, the city's law department, and Department of Investigation commissioner.
Here’s how you can support the fight against racial injustice without leaving your home
Read full article: Here’s how you can support the fight against racial injustice without leaving your homeColor of Change is the largest online racial injustice organization. It’s a great place to donate to help fight racial injustices. If there is any organization that has been fighting for social justice and change for years and years, it’s the ACLU. Not only does it fight for racial justice, it fights for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and so much more. This is pretty simple: The petition is asking for justice for George Floyd’s death.
Report: Lizzo, John Legend and other celebrities sign open letter supporting defunding police
Read full article: Report: Lizzo, John Legend and other celebrities sign open letter supporting defunding policeBig name celebrities such as Houston native Lizzo, John Legend, the Weekend and others have signed an open letter to defund the police amid George Floyd protests that are taking place across the country. The open letter is urging local governments to decrease the budgets for police departments and instead, increase the budget for health care, education and other community programs, according to Rolling Stone. The letter was initiated by co-founder of Black Lives Matter and founding member for Movement 4 Black Lives, Patrisse Cullors. The open letter is tied to the deaths of unarmed black people who were killed such as Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade as well as others. “The COVID-19 deaths and the deaths caused by police terror are connected and consequential to each other,” the open letter states.
WATCH: Peaceful protesters dispersed with tear gas moments before President Trump walks to church burned in riots
Read full article: WATCH: Peaceful protesters dispersed with tear gas moments before President Trump walks to church burned in riotsPresident Donald Trump walks in Lafayette Park to visit outside St. John's Church across from the White House Monday, June 1, 2020, in Washington. Trump walked slowly, followed by an entourage of his most senior aides, security and reporters. Trump crossed H Street and walked toward St. Johns Church, the landmark pale yellow building where every president, including Trump, has prayed. Greatest country in the world.He didnt talk about Floyd, the church or the damage it had suffered, or the peaceful protesters police had cleared. Rabbi Jack Moline, the president of Interfaith Alliance, slammed the fact that peaceful protesters near the White House were gassed and shot with rubber bullets so Trump could hold his photo op.
Magic Johnson says he still has the talk with his sons about interacting with police
Read full article: Magic Johnson says he still has the talk with his sons about interacting with policeHis grandfather prepared his father, who prepared him, Johnson told CNN's Anderson Cooper Monday, and he's had "the talk" with his two sons about interacting with police. So if that can happen to George Floyd, it can happen to E.J. Chauvin and three other officers were fired as a result of Floyd's death, but only Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Johnson said Floyd's death illustrates why the black community has never really trusted police. Other athletes have also become vocal about George Floyd's death and the protests that followed.
Peaceful protesters dispersed with tear gas moments before President Trump walks to church burned in riots
Read full article: Peaceful protesters dispersed with tear gas moments before President Trump walks to church burned in riotsSoon, law enforcement officers were aggressively forcing the protesters back, firing tear gas and deploying flash bangs into the crowd to disperse them from the park for seemingly no reason. Trump walked slowly, followed by an entourage of his most senior aides, security and reporters. Trump crossed H Street and walked toward St. Johns Church, the landmark pale yellow building where every president, including Trump, has prayed. Greatest country in the world.He didnt talk about Floyd, the church or the damage it had suffered, or the peaceful protesters police had cleared. Rabbi Jack Moline, the president of Interfaith Alliance, slammed the fact that peaceful protesters near the White House were gassed and shot with rubber bullets so Trump could hold his photo op.
Medical examiner lists Floyd’s death a homicide, says heart stopped while police restrained him and compressed his neck
Read full article: Medical examiner lists Floyd’s death a homicide, says heart stopped while police restrained him and compressed his neckMINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis medical examiner has classified George Floyd’s death as a homicide, saying his heart stopped as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examiner’s report also lists heart disease and hypertension as “other significant conditions,” along with fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use. A widely seen citizen video that shows Floyd struggling with a police officer holding his knee on his neck has sparked protests nationwide. Floyd’s family said Monday that its independent autopsy found Floyd died by asphyxiation, and their attorney called for charges against the police officer to be upgraded to first-degree murder.
VIDEO: White people kneel, ask forgiveness from the black community in Third Ward
Read full article: VIDEO: White people kneel, ask forgiveness from the black community in Third WardHOUSTON – Houstonians gathered Sunday at Cuney Homes in the Third Ward to pray for the family of George Floyd. During the prayer, the white people in attendance knelt down and asked for forgiveness for years of racism. The powerful moment was followed up by the black community accepting the apology and joining together in prayer. Here is the video of the prayer:
‘Heart-stopping’: Family of George Floyd, Houston man who died in Minneapolis police custody, says firing of officers ‘not enough’
Read full article: ‘Heart-stopping’: Family of George Floyd, Houston man who died in Minneapolis police custody, says firing of officers ‘not enough’HOUSTON – The family of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody Monday night, is mourning his death. A bystander’s video showed him pleading and groaning that he could not breathe as the officer knelt on his neck. RELATED: Man who died in Minneapolis police custody was Houston native, former neighbor saysTerrell, who affectionately referred to Floyd as “Uncle George” because of their age difference, said the violent video was “heartbreaking” to watch. “He was driving trucks to provide for his family.”Earlier Tuesday, four Minneapolis police officers were fired after public outrage erupted over the video and how Floyd was killed. Black Lives Matter Houston said they are protesting at Discovery Green in his honor at 2 p.m. Friday.