Pocatello residents demand police accountability following Victor Perez shooting

The Pocatello City Council meeting on April 17, 2025, was marked by passionate public outcry over the recent police shooting of 16-year-old Victor Perez, igniting calls for significant reforms within the Pocatello Police Department. Community members expressed deep concern over the handling of the incident, which they described as a tragic failure of law enforcement.

During the meeting, several speakers, including students from Idaho State University, highlighted the need for better training in de-escalation techniques, particularly when dealing with individuals with mental health issues or disabilities. Kyler Johnson, a student, emphasized that the police response to Victor, who was reportedly holding a knife behind a fence, was excessive and unjustified. He called for the names of the officers involved to be made public and for their immediate termination without pay.

Maddox Bigford Thorpe echoed these sentiments, advocating for collaboration between the police and mental health organizations to improve officer training. He pointed out that Victor's autism and developmental disabilities were not taken into account during the confrontation, which escalated to deadly force. Other speakers, including Travis Gentry, a security chief at a local warming shelter, expressed their belief that the officers should face accountability similar to that of civilians in similar situations.

The meeting also saw community members questioning the police's decision to deploy a tactical team during peaceful protests, raising concerns about the militarization of local law enforcement. Scott Vauter and Matthew Shumway articulated their frustrations over the police's actions, calling for transparency and accountability in the wake of Victor's death.

As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, the council faces mounting pressure to address public safety concerns and restore trust in law enforcement. The discussions at the meeting reflect a broader demand for systemic change, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize the safety and rights of all citizens, particularly those vulnerable to police violence. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how Pocatello moves forward in addressing these pressing community issues.