Elijah McClain was a 23 year old black man who was murdered by the police of Aurora, Colorado in August 2019. Elijah McClain worked as a massage therapist but not only that he was also a musician who often played the violin to lonely kittens at an animal shelter during his lunch break. McClain was described as being a kind person who was known to put a smile on everyone’s face.
On the night of August 24, 2019 as Elijah walked home the police were called on him. It was reported that McClain appeared to look suspicious but not dangerous. He often dressed warm because he was anemic and would get cold easily. Three Aurora police officers responded to the call and approached McClain. He was put into a carotid chokehold and was forced onto the ground. As the police officers continued to abuse him he pleaded for his life. He was given a shot of ketamine by paramedics and had a heart attack on the way to the hospital. He was declared brain dead on August 27, 2019 and died on the 30th after suffering multiple heart attacks.
A lot of people weren’t aware about this case and didn’t hear anything about it until mid 2020. After hearing about McClain’s death thousands of people came out to protest and demand justice for McClain in the summer of 2020. Although the protests were peaceful the police met the protesters with violence and tear gas to discontinue the movement. Protesters however continued to have protests for McClain to bring attention and spread awareness to his death.
The officers involved still have not been charged with any crime and haven’t even been fired from their jobs. The only people who faced charges are activists who led the protests. Police arrested plenty of activists and charged them with false charges. People who are demanding justice for McClain are getting arrested and charged when the officers who murdered him walk free. People are still continuing to fight back and get justice for McClain by signing petitions and writing letters to district attorneys.
NNV News Blog Writer Sister Tynnetta R. Muhammad
