Protesters disrupted a community meeting in Aurora, Colorado, demanding accountability for the fatal police shooting of Lewis, a 37-year-old Black man. Lewis was shot outside an apartment complex on May 23 while police attempted to arrest him on suspicion of attempted murder. Shockingly, Lewis was unarmed, holding only a phone and raising his hands in surrender when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred just two days before his death on May 25.
The community meeting, led by Aurora City Councilwoman Stephanie Hancock, was held at Colorado Early Colleges in Aurora. Lewis’ family and community organizers entered the meeting, holding signs and chanting his name loudly. This demonstration was a response to Hancock’s previous remarks during a contentious City Council meeting, where she referred to the protesters as “terrorists.” On Monday, Hancock and seven other council members voted against including a proposed formal apology to Lewis’ family on the agenda.
During the meeting, protesters led by organizer Auon’tai Anderson attempted to engage Hancock in a conversation. However, when Hancock instructed them to sit down, the chants resumed. Shortly after, Hancock left the meeting room.
The Aurora Police Department had been collaborating with the Denver police to apprehend Lewis in connection with an attempted murder that occurred on May 5 in Denver. Officers had been surveilling Lewis for two days before surrounding him as he exited a car near Expo Park in Aurora.
The protest aimed to shed light on a recurring pattern of Aurora city leaders silencing community concerns. Organizer Candice Bailey emphasized that the city of Aurora consistently employs tactics to restrict the voice of the people, violating their First Amendment rights. Bailey described this as a dangerous blueprint seen nationwide and demanded an apology from the City Council for using derogatory terms, including “terrorist,” to describe the protesters.
Lewis’ family and supporters are calling for the firing, arrest, and first-degree murder charges against Michael Dieck, the officer involved in the shooting. Additionally, they are seeking censure for Councilwoman Stephanie Hancock. Lewis’ mother, LaRonda Jones, expressed determination, stating that they will not stop or back down.
