The people of Albuquerque, N.M. took to the streets on Oct. 22 to protest the escalation of police brutality that is terrorizing poor, working class and oppressed communities throughout the city. In a militant protest of outrage, demonstrators stood at the steps of the Albuquerque Police Department to denounce police use of lethal force. Eleven unarmed people have been shot just this year, seven of them fatally. The demonstration was part of scores of coordinated protests across the United States.
In front of the Albuquerque police headquarters, families and victims of police terror testified about the outrageous violence perpetrated against city residents. One speaker, Lisa Santillanes of the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) in Albuqueque, spoke in moving terms about the pain of loss she and her family have suffered since one of her family members was shot to death at close range by the police, even though he was unarmed and presented no threat to anyone. “Each day our family suffers the pain of loss of this unjust killing. He (the victim) never hurt anyone and did not deserve to die. We must stand up and demand an end to police brutality. Our people are being unjustly targeted by the police. United we can and will stop these attacks.”
Following the rally, the protesters marched through the main downtown streets of the city, chanting militantly as drummers led the march through town. The lead banner from ANSWER New Mexico stated “Justice First! Stop Police Brutality.” Placards sent a clear message: “APD: Stop Terrorizing Our Communities!”
The marchers received a warm and militant response from passersby, who honked and waved in solidarity with the protesters. All those present vowed to keep up the fight against the out-of-control Albuquerque Police.
The demonstration was organized by a coalition of community organizations including ANSWER New Mexico, Cop Watch Albuquerque, Young Women United, Vecinos Unidos, and others.
