Colorado Governor Will Examine Death Of Elijah McClain After Millions Sign Petition

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said Wednesday his office would examine last years death of Elijah McClain, an unarmed Black man who died in police custody after buying an iced tea at a convenience store.

Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever, Polis wrote on Twitter. A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical.

He continued: I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClains death. As a result, I have instructed my legal council to examine what the state can do and we are assessing next steps.

Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever. A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical. (1/2)

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Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever. A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical. (1/2)
Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) June 24, 2020

McClain, 23, was stopped by police in Aurora in August as he was walking home from a convenience store. Someone called 911 to report him as suspicious because he was wearing a ski mask, police said.

Police said they tried to stop him, but he resisted, so three white officers tackled him and one put him in a chokehold. Paramedics called to the scene injected him with ketamine to sedate him.

McClain went into cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and died days later, after he was declared brain dead. He was never accused of a crime.

The officers were cleared of wrongdoing in February by a review board.

A Change.org petition calling for the case to be reexamined has garnered more than 2.5 million signatures as McClains name gained international attention amid rising calls to address systemic racism and police brutality.

Sign this petition to bring justice for Elijah, the petition reads. Demand these officers are taken off duty, and that a more in-depth investigation is held.

McClains family has called for an independent investigation into the officers conduct, claiming they used excessive force that resulted in McClains death.

Im surprised how long it has taken for the world to take notice of this case, Mari Newman, an attorney for his family, told CBS Denver . It is very disappointing that it took the murder of somebody across the country for people here in Colorado to finally take notice. But, it is happening.