Justice advocates demonstrate for man killed by SWAT officer in Aurora

DENVER – Justice advocates continue to demand action on behalf of Kilyn Lewis, a Black man who was shot and killed by a SWAT officer in Aurora while holding a phone.

“At the end of the day, these things happen all the time,” said Chairman Brandon Gehrke Quintilla.

Gehrke Quintilla’s organization is hosting a “week of action” in Lewis’ name to raise awareness of the problems and tragedies caused by police brutality.

“We need to mobilize and organize many people to fight against the systems that oppress us,” said Gehrke Quintilla.

The week of action began Monday at the Aurora City Council meeting. Lewis’ family and supporters attended the meeting to demand justice and speak to city leaders.

The council wanted to apologize to the Lewis family, but instead decided to remove the resolution item from the agenda. Lewis’ supporters then began chanting his name. The council and mayor decided to leave the room.

“It is very obvious that the City Council and the Mayor expressly do not want to hear from the people, and that is consistent with our mission because we need a long-term solution to police brutality in our community,” said Gehrke Quintilla.

Anndrec Lewis, Kilyn’s wife, spoke to 9NEWS in June after Aurora police released bodycam footage from the day Kilyn was shot.

She said until something changes, her family will continue to fight for Kilyn and speak his name to city leaders.

Gehrke Quintilla said the Denver-Aurora Community Action Committee will continue to support the family’s voice and spread their message.

“We need to do more,” said Gehrke Quintilla. “Ultimately, this is a week of action that will hopefully move this movement forward, but fighting for apologies from the City Council will not accomplish anything. We need to fight for change and for justice for Kilyn Lewis. One of the family’s main demands is to detain, arrest and hold Officer Dieke accountable.”

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