California up in arms over death of unarmed Latino and police brutality

By Presente

The Anaheim Police Department committed an atrocious act of police violence against defenseless Latino families over the weekend, shooting rubber bullets and unleashing a police dog into a crowd that included children.

“They just started shooting everyone. They shot at little kids too!” That’s what a screaming Susan Lopez told a local news outlet.

Video: Anaheim police shooting into the crowd and unleashing dogs

This disturbing incident occurred after a questionable officer-involved shooting only hours before. Police shot Manuel Diaz in the leg and later in the back of the head after a foot chase. Manuel later died in the hospital. Manuel’s friends and neighbors wanted answers and gathered at the site of the killing. It was there that the police began to viciously attack families and children.

Sadly, this brutality is part of a long pattern of excessive and deadly force used by Anaheim Police against Latinos. The Anaheim Mayor, the City Council and the Chief of Police have done nothing to stop or even investigate these abuses. It is time to have Kamala Harris, the California State Attorney General, step in, now.

Please join us in demanding that State Attorney Harris conduct a full investigation into Saturday’s incident and the recent rise in officer-involved shootings.

The ongoing use of excessive and deadly force by Anaheim Police against Latinos is alarming. In 2012 alone, there’s been eight officer-involved shootings. The victims’ families have not stayed quiet and have held weekly protests outside police headquarters. But these families can’t do it alone. They need your help, now. Please join us in letting State Attorney Harris know that the whole country is watching and that violence against Latino families will not go ignored.

The fact that this police brutality was caught on tape makes the Anaheim’s police actions undeniable. Imagine the nightmare of having to shield your child from rubber bullets fired at you by police with high-powered shotguns. Imagine your family members and community members beaten, all because you spoke out against the killing of another young person in your community.

Click here to sign a petition and join Anaheim residents and Presente.org in demanding that State Attorney General Harris conduct a full investigation into Saturday’s incident and the recent spate of officer-involved shootings.