Friends and family march in support of man fatally shot by Jersey City police
Dozens of people gathered in front of Andrew “Drew” Washington’s home and marched to City Hall where a City Council meeting took place.
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A community in Jersey City took to the streets to protest against police brutality following the fatal shooting of Andrew Washington on the night of Aug. 27.
Those who participated in the rally prayed and asked that justice be served. But they specifically emphasized that they "are tired of being tired," and demanded that police brutality ends when dealing with a situation involving a mental health problem.
"We don't want his death in vain and we don't want any other family to experience what we are experiencing. It is just horrific. Every day it does not get any easier,” says Washington's aunt, Denise Davis.
Family, friends and advocates chanted and marched to City Hall where a City Council meeting was held. The group says they won't allow Washington’s death to be swept under the rug. They are asking for a thorough investigation by the state attorney general.
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"Police have to answer to what they are doing. We are still waiting to see what actually happened," says Lisa Mendez, another aunt of Washington’s.
The family claims that the 52-year-old was shot while in the middle of a health crisis. Washington suffers from bipolar disorder.
According to authorities, Washington was shot after he allegedly charged at them with a knife.
Officials have previously stated that officers spent an hour speaking to Washington through the door and then forcibly opened it when they became worried, he might harm himself or someone else in the apartment.
