SACRAMENTO, California — Families from across Northern California gathered at Southside Park in Sacramento today to demand justice, after losing loved ones by law enforcement. With today being the National Day of Protest, these families showed up to rally and march to demand an end to police brutality.
"Two of his granddaughters will not remember him and his younger son wasn't even born yet," said Roxanne Morales.
Morales says she's heartbroken she'll never be able to see her son again, after he was shot and killed by Sacramento police officers in November 2020. At the time, police say gunshots were heard at a North Sacramento event. When officers got to the scene, they saw Augustine Morales with a gun. Shortly after, an officer shot and killed him.
"I constantly say if that officer really just used his words. One word, "police," my son would have dropped the weapon. His hands would have been in the air, and my son would be here today," said Morales.
Joined by other families, the group made their presence known by rallying and marching to protest police brutality, all while demanding accountability. Marrisa Barrera is the organizer and founder of Voices of Strength.
"We're here to raise awareness and also stand together with the other families," Barrera said.
Families shared their stories of heartbreak, calling out various departments across Northern California, including Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. These families believe no positive changes have been implemented since losing their loved ones.
"They need to assess the situation before they do anything else. The split second decisions that they're making are costing people's lives," said Morales.
A sheriff's office spokesperson declined comment, but a Sacramento police spokesperson provided the following:
“The Sacramento Police Department values freedom of speech and expression and remains committed to protecting peoples’ First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and protest.
Officer Involved Shootings and other instances of force resulting in serious injury or death are a significant event for officers and the community. Extensive resources are dedicated to these events to ensure an accurate, thorough, and transparent investigation takes place.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding such an incident, it is imperative that the event is diligently reviewed and the actions of the officers are thoroughly evaluated. These incidents weigh heavy on the hearts of officers and are a constant reminder of the challenges of law enforcement.
The Sacramento Police Department is committed to providing high quality training to officers and to use all means possible to deescalate situations and reduce deadly force incidents. Officers are trained to stabilize dynamic events, provide for the safety of the public, and provide care and compassion to the community they serve.
The department strives to model policies and procedures that implement best practices and reflect the high level of professionalism expected of Sacramento Police Officers.
Additionally, as resources allow, the department will continue to upgrade equipment, develop less lethal options for officers, and research and provide modern training.”
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