In Colorado, protesters marched and gathered outside the Aurora Police Department (APD) compound on Friday night to demand that the remaining two officers involved in the death of Elijah McClain be fired from their jobs.
The protesters held their position overnight and through Saturday, with some protesters staying on the premises throughout the morning, according to local NBC affiliate 9 News.
An officer involved in McClain’s death has already resigned after a recent image appeared that depicts police recreating the Carotid winery near a memorial for McClain, the same choke used at the time of his death.
The resigning officer reportedly replied, “HaHa,” to the photo that was sent to him, and other officers involved said the image was intended to “cheer up” his co-worker.
The protests were formed the same day APD released the image to the public, showing officers grinning in the choke pose near the McClain memorial.
The march to APD Precinct One started from Evergreen Avenue and Billings Street, the site of McClain’s death while in police custody in August 2019.
Authorities reported that the protests were peaceful as numerous protesters began dancing as a form of rebellion and in honor of McClain, who was reportedly dancing at the time of his arrest.
Quick update of #APDOCCUPATION at @AuroraPD District 1. Elijah was dancing when the police stopped him. Protesters say they dance not to celebrate but to rebel. The protest has remained peaceful. No show of force by the police. # 9News pic.twitter.com/4PjIiXg6ya
– Ryan Haarer (@RyanHaarer) July 4, 2020
McClain was detained by authorities in August while walking home from a convenience store. According to his family, he was wearing a ski mask to help him stay warm due to anemia and his social anxieties.
His original district attorney, Dave Young, said McClain ignored police requests to stop. However, his family said McClain did not listen to authorities because he was listening to music through his headphones.
Police placed McClain in a carotid choke that made him vomit and then injected him with Ketamine, leading to a heart attack. He was pronounced dead three days after the incident.
Governor Jared Polis
Jared Schutz Polis The officer involved in taking photos mocking Elijah McClain resigns from the governor of Colorado closes bars amid an increase in virus cases The Justice Department says it is reviewing the death of Elijah McClain for a possible civil rights investigation PLUS (D) announced last week that Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) would re-investigate McClain’s case as special counsel.
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