The Sacramento District Attorney has decided to drop the felony lynching charge against Maile Hampton. For the third time, the diverse community of Sacramento came out to show their support for the ANSWER Coalition member, as well as their opposition to the continued targeting of Black activists opposed to police brutality in Sacramento and elsewhere.
The crowd gathered outside the courtroom at 8:30 a.m. ready for all charges to be dropped. Shortly before going in, Maile was informed by her lawyer that the DA would be dropping the felony lynching charge, but leaving the misdemeanor resisting arrest charge. To this she pled not guilty.
As the new date was set for May 21 at 8:30 a.m., Maile walked out followed by her supporters, who had filled up many of the seats inside the courtroom. The crowd then gathered in the lobby and went outside to celebrate the new developments.
This was a victory made possible in large part by the people. Community support was important in showing the DA that to charge a Black woman with lynching is flat out absurd. It took the efforts of the community to make sure that Maile did not lose four years of her life to a corrupt criminal justice system. This is the same system that fires tear gas and rubber bullets at those seeking answers to police murders.
The struggle for justice and liberation continues. Maile still faces an unjust misdemeanor charge and could spend up to a year in jail in addition to being put on probation and being given a large fine. This is ridiculous. The DA should DROP THE CHARGE NOW. Activists should not be targeted and free speech should not be limited because it is a threat to the structures and institutions of white supremacy.
To help you can:
Click here to sign the petition to the DA demanding they drop the remaining charge
Show up at the next court date on May 21 at 8:30 a.m., 720 Ninth St., Sacramento
Spread the word any way you can whether in person or by sharing this article on social media.
