Elijah McClain’s Case Is Reopened by Colorado Governor
Elijah McClain, age 23, died after he was apprehended by Aurora police in August of 2019.
In the wake of Black Lives Matter and global George Floyd protests, we are seeing renewed calls for justice and demands for accountability and penalty. In August 2019, Black youth Elijah McClain was groundlessly, gruesomely murdered in Aurora, Colorado. His harrowing, chilling fate echoes many cases that have recently surfaced. He was an innocent, unarmed Black man, walking home alone at night, unlawfully murdered by the very people who have sworn to protect us. For the Aurora police officer on duty, the color of his skin was sufficiently incriminating evidence.
Colorado governor directs officials to reexamine death of Elijah McClain after over 2 million sign petition https://t.co/MLSRpCKTYK pic.twitter.com/NjQxsBdAP9
— The Hill (@thehill) June 26, 2020
In combination with what the world now knows about McClain’s angelic spirit and consistent pattern of police brutality, it was hard to believe Elijah “resisted arrest.” The officers tackled the scared youth, placed him in a stranglehold, and authorized first responders to inject him with Ketamine, a potent anesthetic that immobilizes individuals. The three officers implicated in the murder were wearing body cameras; however, all three were “dislodged,” only leaving audio recordings to document the confrontation. McClain’s attorney claims that the officers deliberately tampered with their cameras, citing a time in the video in which one officer directs his peer, “Move your camera, dude.”
his last words. he had nothing to apologize for yet he did and they still murdered him. my heart is aching. i won’t stop fighting for him with the best of my ability until he gets the justice he deserves. #ElijahMcClain pic.twitter.com/mBDaMBGFkZ
— ًjoann (@holyfaulkner) June 26, 2020
In response to political pressure spurred by the Black Lives Matter movement, and the disconcerting facts of the case, Colorado governor Jared Polis has revisited this case. He recently issued an executive order calling for Colorado’s attorney general to “investigate and, if the facts support prosecution, criminally prosecute any individuals whose actions caused the death of Elijah McClain.”
This is the tragic video of Elijah McClain. A quiet young man who was simply walking home when stopped by Aurora police & assaulted and injected with Ketamine. Ketamine is a HORSE TRANQUILIZER! Due to a masssive outcry, His case has been reopened. pic.twitter.com/kDPZbEGka6
— Black With No Chaser (@BlackNoChaser) June 26, 2020
The public demands justice for Elijah McClain.
ARREST THE COPS THAT KILLED ELIJAH MCCLAIN ARREST THE COPS THAT KILLED ELIJAH MCCLAIN ARREST THE COPS THAT KILLED ELIJAH MCCLAIN ARREST THE COPS THAT KILLED ELIJAH MCCLAIN ARREST THE COPS THAT KILLED ELIJAH MCCLAIN ARREST THE COPS THAT KILLED ELIJAH MCCLAIN ARREST THE COPS THAT pic.twitter.com/W5mdRTcsqx
— Brianna Pulido (@BriannaPulido2) June 26, 2020
The Aurora Police Department’s depraved conduct communicates that they do not value black lives. The faces and identities of Black Americans blur together; they are all “criminals,” guilty of being black. This mindset is absolutely asinine, baseless, and disturbing. We are unwilling and reluctant to believe that powerful figures who are appointed to protect us are not only failing to do so, but actively compromising our wellbeing. However, the disconcerting truth is that this is reality. But, it doesn’t have to be. Let’s continue to fight for racial equity and demand justice for the black lives that were taken unjustly.
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