Family and friends of Keith Porter Jr., a 43-year-old father from Los Angeles, are calling for justice after he was shot and killed by an off-duty ICE officer on New Year’s Eve. The incident occurred outside his apartment complex, where Porter reportedly fired gunshots into the air to celebrate the New Year. While police claim the officer acted in self-defense, Porter’s family insists he was not threatening anyone.
The lack of video evidence has raised questions about what really happened that night. Jamal Tooson, the family’s attorney, argues that Porter’s behavior may have warranted a citation instead of a deadly response. Many community members and activists are joining the call for accountability, demanding to know why the ICE officer has not been charged.
Porter leaves behind two daughters, aged 10 and 20. “The officer needs to surrender and do what’s right,” said Wanda Turner, a family friend. She highlighted the emotional toll on Porter’s family, calling for justice and transparency.
Community outrage has surged, especially after another recent shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Many activists worry about aggressive tactics used by ICE, especially as trust in federal accounts of these incidents has declined. This year, a poll revealed that a significant percentage of Americans are concerned about ICE’s operations in their cities.
Public demonstrations have gained traction, with many participants criticizing ICE’s approach and echoing calls for policy changes. Dr. Melina Abdullah, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter LA, emphasized that Keith is a victim and should not be portrayed as a suspect.
Keith Porter was remembered by friends as a joyful and caring person. Adrian Metoyer III, who knew Porter for over two decades, described him as “the life of the party.” He recalled Porter’s dedication to his children and his supportive nature.
As the investigation unfolds, there is growing recognition of the need for law enforcement to address its use of force and the impact of misinformation on victims’ reputations. With ongoing protests, the community continues to seek justice not just for Keith, but for all who have been affected by police violence.
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