Police/Legal/Prisons

On the 1st of January, DC Mayor Bowser got an unpleasant surprise when she showed up at her very own Freshstart 5K walk. Family members and friends of Javon Hall backed by Black Lives Matter activists showed up. They were demanding she release the police body camera footage from when cops shot and killed Javon Hall on Dec 25, 2016. She turned her back and refused to face them.

Video by J2 originally posted to Twitter

On the 27th of December, about 50 unarmed water protectors approached the barricaded bridge on Highway 1806, possibly checking reports that the police were taking down the razor wire and other barricades. The barricades were still there-and police opened fire with "less lethal" munitions, also pursuing the water protectors. They were then reported to be pursuing the water protectors but apparently couild not catch them in the snow or were to drive them off rather than capture them.

On the 10th of December, the Standing Rock and Beyond march and rally demanded that Obama move to finish off the Dakota Access Pipeline and grant executive clemency to Leonard Peltier. Leonard Peltier's eldest son spoke at the rally on both his father's ongoing political imprisonment and on the dangers of corporate power over water.

Video-Leonard Peltier's son speaks on corporate control of water, marching to the EPA past Trump Hotel

On the 21st of November, activists demanding justice for Terrence Sterling once again gathered at 3rd and M sts NW where he was murdered by police. On Sep 11, 2016 a DC cop shot him off his motorcycle for "erratic driving." Due to the pressure put on Mayor Bowser by Black LIves Matter activists this case has been referred to a grand jury for "investigation." No prosecution will result unless the pressure continues, so activists are still gathering at 3rd and M each Monday night at 7PM.