I am a resident of Fullerton, CA and once again, I find myself and my community gripped by a dreadful sense of déjà vu. Over a decade ago, a homeless man named Kelly Thomas was brutally murdered by the police in Fullerton. His life cut short due to his vulnerable status as a homeless person and his challenges by disability. Yet, no justice was served. His killers walked free, acquitted by a racist and bigoted jury, and even pocketed a pension of $40,000 per annum as some form of perverse reward. Fast forward to the present day, history seems to be repeating itself. Another homeless man in Lemon Park has been allegedly killed in Fullerton PD custody. 

Our silence at this point might as well be complicity. It is high time we collectively demand the California state government and the Federal Government to launch an investigation into this man's death and perceive it as a possible hate crime murder. Acknowledging this as a hate crime will help to signal the alarming frequency and severity of violence perpetrated against homeless individuals and the disabled ones. We have to direct our efforts towards demanding justice, drilling accountability, dispelling apathy, and rekindling humanity within the system.

Failing to act now will only enable and perpetuate such heinous acts. If the police can murder the homeless, what will stop them from killing us next!? We can't bring back those we've lost in this tragic and unjust manner. But what we can do is seek justice for their memory and work to ensure no other innocent life is taken like this again. 

Please sign this petition today to demand justice, advocate for the voiceless, and put an end to this appalling cycle of violence and indifference.