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Chief Called To Resign, Hundreds Protest At Fullerton Police Station Over Homeless Man's Violent Death
Hundreds of protesters swarmed the Fullerton Police Department on Saturday to express public outrage over the death of 37-year-old Kelly Thomas, a homeless man who died "after an altercation with six police officers," says LA Now.
Surveillance video taken by a bus security camera was released in connection with the fatal beating, and two City Council members have called for the resignation of Police Chief Michael Sellers.
The crowd stretched across the intersection of Highland and Commonwealth avenues chanting "Justice for Kelly! Jail killer cops!" as passing cars honked in support. The protesters represented a seemingly unlikely alliance of groups across the political spectrum, from the far-left A.N.S.W.E.R. to the libertarian group Campaign for Liberty.
Thomas' family members were not present but "expressed their appreciation for the support." The victim's father, Ron Thomas, is a retired sheriff's deputy and "expects to file a civil suit over his son's death in the near future."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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