I helped organize the Immigrants Make America Great rally at Salem Capitol Park where one of the invited speakers was attacked by a racist agitator. The incident occurred on January 19th, 2026. Among the invited speakers was a 17-year-old high school student, Manny Chavez, who has been a leader in his community helping raise awareness and funds for those affected by ICE enforcement.  After he finished sharing his story, he joined the rest of the crowd where he was later punched in the face by a 40 to 50 something old man, an act of violence that abruptly shattered the peaceful assemblage. You can see the man in the video covered in black MAGA gear and waving a black MAGA flag. 

As someone integral to the rally’s planning, I feel deeply responsible for the safety of everyone involved, especially our speakers and attendees. More importantly, I am committed to helping them find justice and ensuring such an incident never happens again.

We are calling upon the Oregon State Police and the Salem Police Department to act transparently and release all body cam footage, both edited and unedited, along with other related documents and communications concerning this heinous assault. This includes any photos, other video footage, policy violation reports, and internal or inter-agency communication that may provide clarity and accountability regarding the officers’ conduct on that day.

Access to this information is imperative for a fair investigation that we will complete with the assistance of an attorney. It's essential not only for bringing the perpetrator to justice but for restoring public trust in those sworn to protect us. We believe that with transparency and accountability, justice can prevail.

Let us stand together to demand the truth and ensure safety in public spaces. Please join me in calling for the release of these critical documents and communications. Sign the petition and let your voice be heard for justice and accountability.