“The story of Kelly Thomas hit close to home”

Latest

A march to protest the not guilty verdict of two Fullerton, CA police officers after their acquittal in the Kelly Thomas trial. Thomas was a homeless, mentally ill man who was murdered by police. A video recording showed the deadly beating. PHOTO/ETHAN HAWKES, DAILY TITAN
A march to protest the not guilty verdict of two Fullerton, CA police officers after their acquittal in the Kelly Thomas trial. Thomas was a homeless, mentally ill man who was murdered by police. A video recording showed the deadly beating.
PHOTO/ETHAN HAWKES, DAILY TITAN

LOS ANGELES — In January 2014, two Fullerton police offers were acquitted of charges on murdering Kelly Thomas, despite video evidence showing that Thomas was not a physical threat to them.  Kelly Thomas was living on the streets and was suffering from Schizophrenia and was refusing any medical treatment at the time when he was killed.
While most victims of police brutality are people of color, an alarming percentage of people who are killed by police suffer from some form of mental illness.  Forty-two percent of people shot by police since 2000 and fifty-eight percent of those who died from their injuries had mental health problems.
The story of Kelly Thomas really hit close to home for me as a Mom who raised an adult son who has struggled with mental illness issues.  I raised him knowing that the likelihood of him being killed by a cop is much higher than average.  Statistically, white males are far less likely to be killed by police than men of color.  Eyes with color didn’t protect Kelly Thomas or the hundreds of other white men who deal with mental illness from the brutality of cops who are not held accountable for their murderous actions.  My son doesn’t know that his Autism makes him vulnerable to police abuse.
One day I came home and went into a panic when I found that my son, Mat, was not there.  Even though I knew exactly where he was likely to be, I was terrified of what have might have happened on his way there.  What if a cop stopped him and gave him multiple orders and he became confused not knowing which one to follow?  Would my son be the next statistic?  I immediately walked in the direction of where he would have gone to get a taco or an energy drink.  I found him and he asked me why I met up with him.  I said I was worried.  He didn’t leave a note.  He said, “Mom, I’m a grown adult. This is not appropriate.”  He was right.  I completely over reacted.  He is perfectly capable of going out and buying a snack.
Raising a son with Autism is really enough struggle for one mom.  My adult son is able to function just fine on his own as I raised him well.  I shouldn’t have to worry about him anymore.
I would like to live in a world where people like Kelly Thomas, my son. Mat, and all people will be safe to go out of the house and live life safe from police brutality.
Patti Beers is a citizen journalist who was arrested by police in riot gear at the protest after the acquittal of the police officers who murdered Kelly Thomas.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A Salute to Chicagoans Fighting ICE

A salute to Chicagoans fighting ICE and to the food delivery worker on a bicycle who outrode ICE agents after they tried to kidnap him on the streets of downtown Chicago.

Over 60 Lawmakers Launch Investigation Into Trump Administration’s Disappearances

Some Democrats in Congress have announced they are investigating the Trump administration’s practice of disappearing immigrants to other countries.

More from the People's Tribune