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Ben Crump

The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis

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Photo of Ben Crump (right), Katie Wright (center), Daunte Wright’s mother Chyna Whitaker, Daunte Wright’s girlfriend (left) and their son Daunte Wright Jr. by Kerem Yucel

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As snowstorms swirled under gray April skies, the families of George Floyd, Daunte Wright and other Black individuals who lost their lives in police-involved killings held an emotional news conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and dozens of relatives, activists, community members and media gathered outside the Hennepin County Courthouse on a chilly Tuesday. As family members spoke one after the other, there have been tears, prayers, anger and demands for justice. Remarks were often followed by anguished cries of “Say his name!” and “Black Lives Matter!”

In the third week of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the previous Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death in May 2020, the region was once more rocked by the fatal police shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright. The incident took place on Sunday, April 11, in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis.

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Wright was reportedly stopped by police for a minor traffic violation. During the arrest, bodycam footage showed the boy’s young father being shot as he tried to flee.

“If there was ever a time when police should not kill anyone in America,” it was during one of the “harsh” trials in American history, Crump told the group. He and co-counsel Jeff Storms were retained by Wright’s family.

Katie Wright said her son called when the incident happened and he seemed scared. As she tried to calm him down, she heard shuffling. A friend who was in the automobile with Wright later broke the news to his mother that her son had died by sharing a cellphone photo. “I have not received any explanation since then,” she said.

Police officials have said publicly that Kim Potter, a 26-year law enforcement veteran, tried to achieve for her Taser but by chance fired it as a substitute. She has since resigned from her position, as has, amongst others, chief of the town police.

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There have been protests and unrest in Brooklyn Center for several days, where the young black mayor, Mike Elliott, has promised an intensive investigation.

“We are united. We stand in solidarity,” said Toshira Garraway, founder of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, an advocacy group in Minnesota. “Enough is enough and we are getting up,” she said during a press conference.

To show solidarity, Deborah Watts, a relative of Emmett Till, also attended. The gruesome 1955 racially motivated murder of a Chicago teenager in Mississippi isn’t a thing of the past, she added. “We are tired and exhausted by terrorism against our families across the country.”

Jurors this week will now hear from the defense team for Chauvin, who faces charges of second- and third-degree murder and manslaughter.

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Floyd, 46, died in police custody on May 25, 2020. The viral cellphone video shows Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for greater than nine minutes. Floyd, handcuffed and lying on the bottom, said, “I can’t breathe,” and called for his mother as Chauvin, 45, kept his hands in his pockets and didn’t render aid. He pleaded not guilty.

Floyd’s gruesome death sparked Black Lives Matter protests across the country and the world. Crump, together with co-counsel Antonio Romanucci, L. Chris Stewart and Chris Storms, form the legal team for Floyd’s family. In March, they settled a civil lawsuit with the town of Minneapolis for a historic $27 million.

Crump said Wright’s arrest by police throughout the pandemic, when many drivers had their IDs expired as a result of months of limited or no access to DMV vehicles, was an example of implicit bias. He said the difficulty stays particularly glaring for “marginalized” Americans.

“Daunte Wright is yet another young Black man killed at the hands of those who swore an oath to protect and serve all of us – not just the whitest among us,” Crump said in a press release provided to ESSENCE. “As Minneapolis and the rest of the country continue to grapple with the tragic murder of George Floyd, we must now also mourn the loss of this young man and father. This level of lethal force was completely preventable and inhumane.”

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From civil rights organizations to the White House, this latest police-involved killing has stirred emotions. Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said in a press release that that they had “heavy hearts” and that the country must “rethink policing and public safety.”

“Michelle and I join the Wright family in mourning their loss. We empathize with the pain that Black mothers, fathers and children feel after yet another senseless tragedy. We will continue to work with all honest Americans to confront historic inequities and bring about the nationwide change that is so long overdue.”

Karissa Lewis, national field director of the Movement for Black Lives, said in a press release: “Let’s say it again: there is no ‘reform’ of this system – it is time to abandon lethal policing and invest in a public safety vision that protects us all. We mourn with Daunte Wright’s family and community and will continue to fight to move away from systems of oppression in the pursuit of justice and Black liberation.”

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Contractors (NOBLE) released a written statement noting Wright’s fatal traffic stop and the viral video of the incident involving Army 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario.

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NOBLE said in part: “Even as police reforms are being implemented in many municipalities, as support for reforms grows, and as our nation finds itself in the center of a trial in the death of George Floyd, with evidence and heartbreaking witness testimony After reviewing the circumstances “His death continues to be an example of excessive use of force, a lack of transparency and understanding of incident-specific policing orders, and another unfortunate loss of life of a citizen of color.”

The statement continued: “When will police leadership and civic leaders stop having to explain the failures of those determined to disregard the principle of “serve and protect?”

As the families of George Floyd, Daunte Wright and countless others seek justice, Crump vowed to fight but lamented the present state of affairs.

“What will it take for law enforcement to stop killing people of color? The growing number of black men and women who have been killed or harmed by police is far too high a price to pay for the equality we seek.”

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The Obama Foundation has an online portal where you may study issues, connect with local/national organizations, find resources on trauma and mental health, and/or take motion. click here for more information.

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Ben Crump

Sonya Massey called the police for help. Deputy Illinois fatally shot her in the face – essence

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Sonya Massey called the police for help. Deputy Illinois fatally shot her in the face

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Deputy Sheriff in Illinois, who fatally shot a black woman behind a pot of water, was accused of murder. Sangamon Fine officer “In the face of three cases of first -degree murder, a deteriorating battery with firearms and official improper proceedings.”

These fees resulted from the incident at the starting of this month on July 6, when Sonya Massey called the number 911, informing the dispatcher about her fears about possible intruder. Sean Grayson, who’s white, and his partner responded to the 36-yr-old in her home Springfield in Il.

According to prosecutors, Grayson allegedly allowed Massey to put a pot of water that was heated on the stove. Grayson allegedly “aggressively shouted” at Massey above the pot and pulled a 9 mm gun. Then Massey put her hands in the air, said “sorry” and evaded the cover before she was shot in the face. Grayson also discouraged the second deputy to receive his medical set ” Associated Press Reports.

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Grayson dismissed his service weapon thrice. Massey was transported to a neighborhood hospital, where she was recognized as deceased.

Mary Rodgers, First state assistantHe wrote that “the second deputy continued to help and remained with Mrs. Massey until medical assistance came,” adding that Grayson “at no time tried to help Mrs. Massey.”

Grayson tried to propose a defense around the fear of his life, based on the Memorandum. But the investigation recognized as mortal strength was not justified, Grayson was released from the department. “It is obvious that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards … With our badge we accept huge responsibility, and if this responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” he said that there must be consequences “, there must be consequences Sheriff Jack Campbell.

An outstanding lawyer Ben Crump He represents the Massey family and believes that that is “a step towards justice for loved ones, especially her children who endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.”

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After the accusation of Grayson, Illinois JB Pritzker Governor said: “I am enraged that another innocent black woman took her life from the hands of a policeman.”

During the first appearance in court last Thursday, the 30-yr-old deputy sheriff didn’t plead all allegations before greater than 30 members of the family and supporters of Massey.

Public authorities Body camera material Today. In particular, Grayson didn’t activate his body camera only after shooting, but were capable of get material from the second deputy who activated his camera at their arrival.

Grayson could have its next court’s speech on August 26.

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Ben Crump

National Funeral Day Honors Sonya Massey as protests and wakefulness still after its fatal shooting through the police – essence

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Photo John Lamparski/Getty Images

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People across the country gathered on Sunday to honor Sony Massey, a black woman deadly shot by Deputy Biały Sheriff in her House Illinois after calling for help. The incident caused widespread outrage.

Controversy increased with the recent release of the camera from the camera, showing the shocking event on July 6. In response, the activists announced on Sunday, July 28, the National Mourning Day for Massey, organizing meetings in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis and her hometown of Springfield, Illinois.

National Funeral Day Honors Sonya Massey as protests and wakefulness continues its fatal shootings through the police
New York, New York – July 28: Demonstrators with signs protest against the killing of Sonyi Massey by Springfield, deputy sheriff Illinois, in Washington Square Park on July 28, 2024 in New York. Massey was shot at home in her head by Sean Grayson, the deputy of Sangamon, Illinois, after she called the police to report a possible powers. Grayson was arrested, causing protests across the country, demanding justice for Massey’s death. (Photo of John Lamparski/Getty Images)

About 350 people took part in the Rally at Comer Cox Park in Springfield, many wearing purple Massey. The group marched to the nearby Illinois Capitol constructing, where Austin Randolph, the president of Springfield NAACP, condemned Massey’s death, stating that “there was no excuse, explanation, no reason” and called the crowd to pay attention as the trial progressed, as the trial progressed, USA TEDAY reports.

Dameon Johnson, a resident of Springfield, shared that he didn’t know Massey personally, but he felt forced to act after the study of national day of mourning organized by the group from New York. In a conversation with the crowd at Comer Cox Park, Johnson expressed: “Everything I read, everything I saw, seems to be my younger sister, and I attached myself to this problem, to this tragedy. Listen, this is the ground zero. If you look around here, it’s really amazing. ”

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“It’s not only for Sonya,” said Massey Donna’s mother. “This is for all of us. We still haven’t received justice and the time has come – she told the crowd gathered in Comer Cox Park in honor of her daughter, reports the USA. Many participants wore purple shirts “Say her name: Sonya Massey”.

Vigil and protests took place in New York, Georgia and Virginia. CBS messages She reported that tons of gathered in the Washington Square Park in New York, calling for justice. “I am so sick and tired of what is happening over and over and nothing is done about it,” said Charlene Woodruff the News Station.

National Funeral Day Honors Sonya Massey as protests and wakefulness continues its fatal shootings through the police
New York, New York – July 28: Demonstrators with signs protest against the killing of Sonyi Massey by Springfield, deputy sheriff Illinois, in Washington Square Park on July 28, 2024 in New York. Massey was shot at home in her head by Sean Grayson, the deputy of Sangamon, Illinois, after she called the police to report a possible powers. Grayson was arrested, causing protests across the country, demanding justice for Massey’s death. (Photo of John Lamparski/Getty Images)

As Essence informed earlier, on July 17, the Sangamon Sheriff Sheriff, Sean P. Grayson, was released and accused of first -degree murder, a deteriorated firearm battery and official improper behavior in Massey’s death. He pleaded not guilty and is kept with out a bond.

The lawyer of the Massey family, Ben Crump, revealed that Massey met with the police regarding mental health the day before the shooting. Crump said Massey went to the HSHS St. John’s, in search of help, but returned home in a while the same day. The autopsy revealed that she was killed by a ball that entered her left eye. “She needed a helping hand, not a ball in the face,” said Crump.

The brotherly decision of the police in Illinois lodged a criticism, stating that Grayson was released “without a reasonable reason.” The document strives to revive it, pays lost wages and advantages, and “all other relief.”

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Four accused of murder in the death of man outside the hotel – essence

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Four accused of murder in the death of man outside the hotel

Paintings Sopa / co -founder / Getty Images

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Four hotel employees were accused of murder last week after the death of d’vontaye Mitchella after stopping him and holding him before Hyatt, where he choked on June 30.

The autopsy report revealed that Mitchell “died of a combination of” suffocating restraint and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine “when he was detained by hotel employees in a fertile position … In the report he also noticed that Mr. Mitchell was obese and had cardiovascular hypertension disease,” The New York Times Reported.

Milwaukee County Medical Examiner rules the death of a 43-yr-old murder.

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Hotel security manager TODD Alan Erickson, bodyguard Brandon Lady Turner, worker of the reception Devin W. Johnson-Carson and Bellhop Herbert T. Williamson were accused Crimes murderwhich has a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and nine months. Since then, all 4 have been released from their position.

According to the police documentationMitchell entered the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee this afternoon and “caused disturbance.”

He “Then I fell into a souvenir shop in the lobby before he moved out of the store and bottom of the corridor to the women’s toilet.”

Allegedly, Mitchell “Fight with bodyguards when they escorted” him outside, where he was detained until the police arrived.

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According to the criminal grievanceWhen the officers arrived around 16:30, Mitchell didn’t breathe and lay down in the driveway. The film shows that Mitchell is subdued for eight to nine minutes. “At the end of this period DM [D’Vontaye Mitchell] He stopped showing movement, resistance or other signs of life. “

The confrontation was captured to the video, causing public indignation and protests during the Republican National Convention on the death of Mitchell I Sam Sharpe Jr.who was killed by cops in Ohio.

A well -known lawyer for civil rights Ben CrumpHe is one of the lawyers representing the Mitchell family, who was a “significant step”. He said: “Evidence, including security materials and testimonies of witnesses, paint the disturbing image of a man in danger, which met with excessive and deadly strength.”

According to the Mitchell family, he was inside Mental health crisiswho attributed his actions that day.

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In the statement by William Sultton, advocate Representing the family said: “Although we agree that employees should be accused of murder, we consider the fact that this did not happen without the lawyers of the Mitchell family to examine the murder … The family did not have to wait 37 days for the accusations when the murder was captured on the video. “

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