Photo: Oliver Helbig/Getty Images
Patrisse Cullors, one of the activists who helped found Black Lives Matter (BLM), has revealed that the Los Angeles Police Department recently killed her cousin, Keenan Anderson.
Patrisse shared the news on Sunday via Instagram. Described as an English teacher who worked with “high school-aged children,” Keenan was killed on January 3 in Venice.
“LAPD has killed three people this year. One of them is my family member. Keenan deserves to be alive right now, his child deserves to be raised by his father. Keenan we will fight for you and for all of our loved ones impacted by state violence.”
An upload to @blmlosangeles followed Patrisse’s post, which noted that “a minor traffic accident shouldn’t lead to death.”
The organization also promised to “demand justice in his name” and said the LAPD “stole [Keenan] from [his loved ones] by tasing him to death.” Notably, Keenan is survived by a 6-year-old son.
The authorities’ take on the matter was outlined in a press release dated January 6.
In the statement, officers noted that they were responding to a traffic collision on the afternoon of January 3. At the scene, they allegedly “observed a male, later identified as Keenan Anderson, running in the middle of the street and exhibiting erratic behavior.”
Shortly after making contact, officers note that Keenan “suddenly attempted to flee” after additional units were called “for a DUI investigation.” The situation escalated to the point that police decided to tase Keenan, who later “went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead” at a nearby hospital.
“As officers contacted Anderson, he began to resist, resulting in a use of force. Officers struggled with Anderson for several minutes, utilizing a TASER, bodyweight, firm grips, and joint locks to overcome his resistance…Shortly after Anderson was taken into custody, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel responded to the scene and rendered medical aid for deployment of the TASER. Anderson was transported via a rescue ambulance (RA) to a local hospital in the City of Santa Monica. While at the hospital, Anderson went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced deceased.”
Regarding the accusations about Keenan “exhibiting erratic behavior,” no further details from a toxicology report are publicly available. Additionally, Patrisse didn’t acknowledge the accusation online.
As people continue to wait for answers, a GoFundMe, which Patrisse shared through her Instagram Story, has been set up to help cover funeral and memorial costs.
“On January 3, 2023 Keenan tragically lost his life in Los Angeles. He was taken away from us unexpectedly and way too soon. Anyone who knew Keenan knew he was full of life and would brighten up a room with his smile. Keenan will truly be missed.”
Additionally, a separate GoFundMe appears to have also been established to help support his son’s “current education and future college tuition.”
We send our condolences and prayers to Keenan Anderson’s family and friends at this time.
