Police violence is directed against working people and youth of all racial and ethnic backgrounds
Betty Francois, 91, died on January 11, two days after she was shot in her Victorville, California, home by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy. Police claim that Francois, who was legally blind and deaf, pointed a shotgun at the deputies after they gave commands for her to drop the weapon, giving them no option but to shoot the elderly woman. Francois had called the police to her home in fear that there had been an intruder and was seeking their help.
A candlelight vigil and protest were held in Syracuse, New York, on March 11 for 17-year-old Judson Albahm, who had been killed by police a week earlier near his home in the suburb of Dewitt. Four officers from three different departments opened fire on Albahm. According to the police account the teenager repeatedly pointed a black handgun which fired metal BBs at them and refused orders to drop it after an extended foot chase, pr