Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Family of man shot, killed by Anaheim police files lawsuit as community protests at City Hall
Listen
• 0:54
Anaheim police discuss a game plan for what's shaping up to be a long Tuesday night at City Hall.
(
Ed Joyce/KPCC
)
Rally-goers hold signs at Anaheim City Hall, protesting the officer-involved shooting of 25-year-old Manuel Diaz.
(
Ed Joyce/KPCC
)
Benjamin Rojas speaks at a Tuesday evening outside Anaheim City Hall. Over 200 people are in attendance.
(
Ed Joyce/KPCC
)
City Council members in a workshop session at Tuesday evening. Outside, hundreds of protesters bang on and peek in doors.
(
Ed Joyce/KPCC
)
The family of a man shot to death by Anaheim police Saturday is suing the City of Anaheim for $50 million.
Manuel Diaz’s family is filing a $50 million wrongful death claim with the City of Anaheim — plus a lawsuit in federal court that alleges Anaheim police officers violated Diaz’s civil rights. The family’s attorney claims an officer shot Diaz in the back, then shot him again in the head as he fell to his knees.
Police describe the 25-year-old Diaz as a documented gang member from Santa Ana, who ran, along with two companions, when a pair of officers approached them. Anaheim police also say no gun was found at the scene.
The department has not explained why the officer shot at Diaz. The shooting has triggered several nights of protests and unrest in Anaheim, including a mass rally attended by over 200 people Tuesday night.
Support for LAist comes from
Protesters outside City Hall chanted and banged on the lobby doors, while Anaheim's city council attempted a workshop session inside. The Council was scheduled to begin accepting public comments from the over-capacity hall at 5 p.m., but was delayed due to the crowds.
Demonstrators later spilled into the streets of downtown Anaheim. Police barricaded one end of Broadway Avenue as protesters chanted and argued with officers.
Anaheim police spokesman Sgt. Bob Dunn said he could not comment on the lawsuit against the department. The Orange County District Attorney's Office is investigating the shooting along with the FBI.
The two Anaheim officers involved are on paid administrative leave.
Anaheim is also facing an ACLU lawsuit alleging that Anaheim "shuts out" Latinos from the electoral process, with Latinos not being represented on the Council. The plaintiffs have proposed a different method for electing council members that they say will provide better representation for Latino residents.
This story has been updated.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist