Anaheim (California) fights back against outrageous police killing

Memorial for Manuel Diaz, killed by Anaheim Police

Woman shot point-black by rubber bullet after diving to save her child from police attack dog Photos: Doug Kauffman/Liberation News

On Saturday, July 21, Anaheim police shot and killed Manuel Diaz. According to the OC Register, "A 17-year-old who lives in the neighborhood said she saw the shooting from about 20 feet away. She said Diaz had his back to the officer and was shot in the buttocks area. Diaz went down on his knees, and she said he was struck by another bullet in the head. The other officer handcuffed Diaz, who by then was on the ground and not moving, she added.'They searched his pockets, and there was a hole in his head, and I saw blood on his face,' she said."

Witnesses say Manuel Diaz was simply hanging out when police began harassing him. In response to the killing, friends and neighbors began gathering in their front lawns. Then, without warning, Anaheim police began firing rubber bullets, beanbag shotguns, and pepper-spray bullets indiscriminately into the crowd which included children--even unleashing a police attack dog on a woman holding a child. In the harrowing video, you can clearly see baby strollers and toddlers in the line of fire.

In response to the killing, people immediately came from the area to protest. On Sunday, a large group picketed outside the Anaheim Police Station where the police were holding a press conference about the killing. As the protest grew, demonstrators, who were led by victims of police abuse (including young children), held a protest inside the police station.

As the community continued to mobilize, the Anaheim police then killed another resident on Sunday night. Witnesses say the victim was already handcuffed when he was shot. Another spontaneous demonstration continued until about 4am.

As the situation develops, the ANSWER Coalition will continue to be on the ground supporting the community in their struggle for justice. History shows us that there is no accountability or justice unless the people fight for it. The community will continue to mobilize in order to hold the killer cops and police department accountable.

How you can help:

• Help pack the Anaheim City Council meeting Tuesday, July 24 at 200 South Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805. Picket starts at 4pm, meeting begins at 5pm.
• Be sure to attend next Saturday's protest against Downey police for the killing of Mike Nida, another victim of police violence.
• Make a donation to help support the fight for justice.

ANSWER LA has been organizing against police brutality in southern California for years in response to the scourge of police violence directed at working-class communities.