Aurora residents demand justice for Kylan Lewis amid accusations of police racism and misconduct

In a charged atmosphere at the Aurora City Council meeting on December 16, 2024, community members voiced their deep frustrations over police violence and systemic racism, igniting a passionate call for accountability and justice. The meeting, which was marked by emotional testimonies, highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by families affected by police violence, particularly in the wake of the murder of Kylan Lewis, who was killed earlier this year.

As the clock ticked down on the public comment period, speakers took to the podium, their voices echoing the pain and anger felt by many in the community. One speaker, demanding divestment from companies perceived as complicit in violence, drew a direct line between corporate investments and the suffering of families like Lewis's. "You have been complicit in this genocide for 436 days," they declared, urging council members to reconsider their financial ties and the implications of their choices.

Another poignant moment came from Victoria Kagande, who recounted the peaceful protests demanding justice for Kylan Lewis, only to be met with a heavy police presence. "The cops, the peace lovers that they are, came in a line of cop cars... to defend themselves from people armed with free speech," she said, criticizing the police's militarized response to nonviolent demonstrations. Kagande's remarks underscored a growing sentiment that the Aurora Police Department (APD) is out of touch with the community it serves.

The testimonies continued, with Casey Childers from the Denver Justice Project questioning the council's commitment to listening to constituents. "In what world is that acceptable?" Childers asked, pointing out the apparent disinterest of council members during critical discussions about police accountability. The call for genuine engagement resonated throughout the room, as speakers demanded that the council not only hear their concerns but act on them.

The meeting also touched on broader issues of racial injustice, with speakers highlighting alarming statistics about police use of force in Aurora. Despite the city’s diverse population, the data revealed a disproportionate impact on Black residents, who accounted for 40% of all use of force incidents, despite making up only 17% of the population. This stark reality fueled calls for reform and a reevaluation of the city’s policing practices.

As the meeting drew to a close, the emotional weight of the discussions lingered in the air. Community members left with a sense of urgency, determined to continue their fight for justice and accountability. The echoes of their voices serve as a reminder that the struggle for equity and reform in Aurora is far from over, and the city council's response in the coming weeks will be closely watched by those demanding change.