This petition is deeply personal to me, as my friend's son, Yong Yang, a 40 years old man suffering from bipolar disorder with schizophrenic affective, tragically lost his life on May 2nd, 2024. He was fatally shot at his parents' house by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), who have since withheld evidence pertaining to the case.

Every year in America, nearly one in four fatal police encounters involve individuals with severe mental illness. The Treatment Advocacy Center reports that people with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than other civilians approached or stopped by law enforcement.

In light of these alarming statistics and the tragic case of Yong Yang, we demand that law enforcement agencies nationwide be required to limit firearm use against mentally ill individuals. We also insist that any officer who discharges their weapon against a mentally ill person should face a clear and appropriate process of accountability.

This change will not only honor Yong's memory but also protect countless others who suffer from mental illnesses from unnecessary violence. Please join us in advocating for this crucial reform - sign this petition today!