This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
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."
