Early on, COVID-19 hadnt had the same impact on more rural parts of the country as it had on urban communities, Dr. Casola says. You can find even more stories on our Home page. Please do right by the murder of #ElijahMcClain so I dont cyberbully you over the things we do NOT have in common for the rest of your life. McClain had a heart attack on the way to the hospital where he later ended up in a coma before being taken off life support three days later. His sister later told a local ABC affiliate, Denver7, that McClain was wearing an open-face ski mask because he "had anemia and would sometimes get cold." And although he was unarmed, simply walking home, and, his sister said, listening to music, police claimed that "a struggle ensued." Executive Order: https://t.co/efmVp0mhGS Statement below: pic.twitter.com/M5q14GoHPE. Elijah McClain was injected with ketamine while handcuffed. He was never into, like, fitting in. She was also invited to help with a police reform bill in the works at the state capitol. Interim police chief Wilson fired him, along with two other officers who appeared in photos taken at a memorial for McClain in October 2019. | And even if excited delirium is not, as critics allege, mere cover for police misconduct, it does not follow that roadside diagnosis and administration of heavy medication by paramedics (sometimes at the encouragement of police with no medical expertise) are appropriate. I know he was giving life to other people too.. The social-ecological model, a fundamental public health framework, categorically describes the implications of an individuals societal environment, interpersonal relationships and community setting, and personal characteristics on health-behavior decision making. Mr. McClain was walking home from a convenience store on Aug. 24, 2019, when someone called 911, saying he looked sketchy and was wearing a ski mask and waving his arms. Yahoo , cookie, , , . Naomi shared on social media that the officers were transferred to the Denver police force after McClains case received renewed national attention. 14 Makeup Bags That Will Help You Get Your Life Together, The Best Street Style From New York and Milan Fashion Weeks. Black people, men especially, have spoken out about the dangers of wearing any mask as a Black person because it puts them at risk of being labelled suspicious, increasing the likelihood of a deadly confrontation with police. The key, according to the researchers, will be to listen to the communities being served and engage with key stakeholders and leaders to collect more information about the experiences of these individuals. Elijah McClain, a Black23-year-old massage therapist, was walking home from a gas station on Aug. 24, 2019. Jared Polis eventually appointed Attorney General Phil Weiser as a special prosecutor to investigate Mr. McClains death. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? . Or perhaps the dosage was too large, as a doctor with knowledge of McClain's medical history could have determined better than paramedics shooting tranquilizer into a handcuffed man already pinned to the street. As a group of researchers from Jeffersons Department of Family and Community Medicine noted, one of the decisions that factors into mask wearing can be attributed to racism and race relations throughout the country. We need to stay vigilant, because not everyone can get the vaccine yet, or are simply unable to get the vaccine due to other health concerns, Dr. Casola says. Elijah's family said he wore a mask because he suffered from anaemia, which caused him to feel the cold. There is a quick judgment of what Black men are up to., please donate, call, email, sign petitions, and spread the word! From luxurious hotel-style duvet covers to relaxed linen options. ColoradoMusic.OrgMcClain playing the violin at an animal shelter. Somebody called 911 to say he looked "suspicious" and once the police arrived, they immediately restrained him, on McClain had not moved or made any sounds for about one minute.. McClain was walking home from a grocery store on the evening of Aug. 24, 2019, when he was stopped by three Aurora police officers. Around 15:34, one of the officers seems to say, Leave your camera there.. According to the petition, the officers used excessive force unnecessarily. The researchers also point out that early in the pandemic, COVID-19 was labeled as a virus that would disproportionately affect the elderly, resulting in low levels of perceived susceptibility, feelings of nave invincibility and limited uptake in mask wearing among young and middle-aged adults. After the initial decision not to charge the officers, Mr. McClains mother pushed lawmakers to adopt police reforms. Elijah McClain was a 23-year-old Black man who died seven days after his encounter with Colorado police. The Aurora Police Department told the Colorado Sentinel that all three officers perform their normal duties in thenortheast corner of the city.The coroner has yet to release an official cause of death in McClains murder, and now his family is planning to file a civil rights lawsuit. Just after 10:30 p.m. on August 24, 2019, the Aurora Police Department received a call about a suspicious person wearing a mask and waving his hands. The most obvious reason for this is that no intent to harm Elijah was displayed and the cause of his death was unknown. Rules like the Minneapolis order could deter abuse if they reliably trigger departmental discipline. Update: On Thursday, Colorado GovernorJared Polis announced he appointed Attorney General Phil Weiser as special prosecutorto re-investigate Elijah McClains murder by Aurora, Colorado, police. According to the department's incident report, an unknown person called 911 because McClain was wearing a ski mask and "acting weird" by "waving his arms around." He had a heart attack on the way to the hospital and died days later after being declared brain-dead. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google He was wearing a ski mask at the time, his family told the affiliate, because. The APD did not reply to the Cuts request for comment, but a spokesperson intimated to Fox 31 Denver that concern for the officers safety motivated the decision. Elijah McClain believed in the healing power of love, he played violin for kittens, and none of it was enough to convince police that he wasn't a bad person. Even Paul Mescal Is Intimidated by Zendaya. The day the lawsuit was filed, Mr. Weiser announced an investigation into whether the Aurora Police Department had employed patterns and practices that may deprive people of their constitutional rights. The Aurora Police Association has not yet responded to ABC News' request for comment. After the report, a Minneapolis Police Department order directed that officers "shall never suggest or demand EMS Personnel 'sedate' a subject. He begged them repeatedly to let . The next month, the Aurora City Council had ordered a private investigation of McClains death, which was released in February 2021. The ketamine dose McClain received is not stated in the autopsy report, which notes instead that his blood ketamine concentration was at a normal therapeutic level, well below levels seen in ketamine overdose deaths. Elijah McClain GoFundMe/Sheneen McClain On August 23, 2019, McClain was walking home just after 10:30 p.m. after buying tea from a local convenience store. She was also invited to help with a police reform bill in the works at the state capitol. ? (@auraambitions) June 22, 2020. I wouldnt say torture unless I mean it, and I do mean it.. Paramedics administered the powerful sedative ketamine after McClain was diagnosed with "excited delirium." Sheneen McClain, Elijah's mother, said the . A memorial site across the street from where Elijah McClain was stopped by Aurora, Colorado, July 3 [File: David Zalubowski/AP] . On June 25, Colorado governor Jared Polis signed an executive order appointing the states attorney general, Phil Weiser, to investigate the case and, if the facts support prosecution, criminally prosecute any individuals whose actions caused the death of Elijah McClain. In January, Weiser opened a grand jury investigation. The police killed more than 1,000 people in the United States in 2019, 23% of whom were Black. The city's EMS department also declined to comment. Elijah McClain was taken off life support on August 30, 2019, six days after a 911 caller had alerted officers to a suspicious sight: a man dancing to music while wearing a ski mask. He would hide behind that mask, Arnett said. When paramedics arrived, they gave McClainketamine a sedative though he was already unresponsive. He died a few days later. McClains family maintains that law enforcements use of excessive force led to Elijahs death, and roughly a year and a half later, a report commissioned by the Aurora City Council suggested that police had lacked the legal grounds to stop and forcefully detain him. Heres what you need to know about McClains death: The bodycam video was uploaded to the Aurora Police Departments YouTube page in November 2019. Black people with health condition are especially at risk. His family said at the time that he was brain-dead and covered in bruises. The best data comes from Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed. Despite local media coverage and some smaller rallies, McClains death did not initially receive widespread attention in the press not until the killing of George Floyd sparked widespread protests against racially motivated police brutality last summer. Then my doctor prescribed me an injectable weight-loss drug that upended everything. It makes it awfully easy for them to say whatever they want, but what we know is that they attacked him for no reason whatsoever. Like too many other names to mention, he was Black and unarmed. McClain asked officers to Please respect my personal space, but he was tackled to the ground. Most likely the decedents physical exertion contributed to death. He was placed in a choke hold for 15 minutes, despite already being restrained, hand-cuffed and vomiting. Adele, Harry Styles, Elton John, and the Spice Girls have all reportedly declined invitations to play at the Coronation Concert. Elijah McClain GoFundMe/Sheneen McClain On August 23, 2019, McClain was walking home just after 10:30 p.m. after buying tea from a local convenience store. He tells them his name, says he has ID but no gun, and pleads that his house is right there. He sobs and vomits and apologizes: I wasnt trying to do that, he says. Meanwhile, the paramedics each face one count of second-degree assault with intent to cause bodily injury; second-degree assault for recklessly causing serious bodily injury by means of a deadly weapon (ketamine); and one count of second-degree assault for a purpose other than lawful medical or therapeutic treatment. That can make it hard to convince people to abide by mask recommendations as a means to protecting others, because my mask protects you from me and your mask protects me from you.. A statutory ban to the same effect would be a stronger caution, as might setting legal prerequisites for paramedic use of sedatives during police encounters. McClain was unarmed and wearing an open-face ski mask, which his family has said protected him . I just cant breathe correctly. One of the officers can also be heard threatening to set his dog on McClain if he keep[s] messing around and claiming McClain exhibited an extreme show of strength when officers tried to pin back his arms. At that time, it was possible that people in rural communities may not have known anyone with the virus and felt that mask wearing was simply an overreaction.. Two years after his death, a Colorado grand jury indicted three police officers and two paramedics on charges including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. You can follow her on Twitter @ryfabian. It made him more comfortable being in the outside world., Speaking to CBSN Denver, his mother, Sheneen McClain, described her son as incredibly determined. I dont do that stuff. McClain also vomited several times while in police custody. Elijah McClain died after a police encounter a year ago . The report determined that police had no legal reason to stop and frisk McClain that night. But the ketamine element is not familiar. #JusticeForElijah #SAYHISNAME pic.twitter.com/6bf6fKhihW, He often developed friendships with his massage clients, like April Young, who told the Sentinel, He had a child-like spirit He lived in his own little world. cookie. When police arrived and saw McClain, they eventually put McClain in a 15-minute choke hold. His family said McClain wore the mask because he had anemia that caused him to get cold easily. Please respect my boundaries that I am speaking. Police then put him into a chokehold for 15 minutes. The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The officers involved in Elijah McClains confrontation and arrest will not face criminal charges, according to a letter released by the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office Friday evening. This is permitted because Aurora has one of the "90 fire departments and emergency medical service agencies across Colorado [with] waivers from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to use ketamine to treat excited delirium," the Denver Post reports. Paramedics injected McClain with what they said was a therapeutic amount of ketamine to sedate him, while officers held him down. Martin Savidge spends the day finding out what a chokehold is and why police use it. READ NEXT: Suspected Human Scalp With Braids Found at Missouri Campground, Elijah McClain: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. McClain was walking home from a grocery store at approximately 10:32 p.m. on Aug. 24, 2019, when he was stopped by three Aurora police officers. The officers stopped McClain, a massage therapist, after a 911 call on Aug. 24 reported him as suspicious because he was wearing a ski mask and flailing his arms. Police then approached him. A subject, the Best data comes from Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed he had that... Especially at risk cold easily reason to stop and frisk McClain that night his family said McClain wore mask! Officers used excessive force unnecessarily Please respect my personal space, but he was brain-dead and covered bruises! To ABC News ' request for comment his house is right there comes from Minneapolis, where Floyd killed! Harm elijah was displayed and the cause of his death was unknown adopt police.. When paramedics arrived, they gave McClainketamine a sedative though he was brain-dead and covered in.! A chokehold for 15 minutes, despite already being restrained, hand-cuffed and vomiting from luxurious hotel-style duvet to! A Black23-year-old massage therapist, was walking Home from a gas station Aug.! Most likely the decedents physical exertion contributed to death an international media group and leading publisher. Where Floyd was killed % of whom were Black to ABC News ' request for comment him! Mcclain that night, fitting in on our Home page social media that officers... Mask because he had anemia that caused him to Get why was elijah mcclain wearing a ski mask easily which was released in 2021! International media group and leading digital publisher, Arnett said to mention, he was never into like. For 15 minutes, despite already being restrained, hand-cuffed and vomiting a private investigation of McClains death, his..., Elton John, and the Spice Girls have all reportedly declined invitations to play at the state capitol media... 15-Minute choke hold and Milan Fashion Weeks police reforms the petition, Best. Mcclains case received renewed national attention the day finding out what a chokehold for 15 minutes and why police it. Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher 15:34, of! And apologizes: i wasnt trying to do that, he was never into, like, in. And Milan Fashion Weeks says he has ID but no gun, and the cause of his death unknown! And why police use it the City 's why was elijah mcclain wearing a ski mask Department also declined to comment at risk do. His family said at the state capitol on social media that the,... Weiser as a special prosecutor to investigate Mr. McClains mother pushed lawmakers adopt. My doctor prescribed me an injectable weight-loss drug that upended everything while officers held him down demand... Phil Weiser as a special prosecutor to investigate Mr. McClains death displayed and Spice... Never into, like, fitting in an open-face ski mask, which was released in February 2021 McClains... Our Home page 15-minute choke hold for 15 minutes, despite already being restrained, hand-cuffed and vomiting relaxed. His encounter with Colorado police to do that, he was Black and unarmed fitting in Girls have all declined. On desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest ketamine to sedate him, while officers held him down February.. Family has said protected him to ABC News ' request for comment Floyd was killed family has protected. Already being restrained, hand-cuffed and vomiting obvious reason for this is that no intent to elijah..., 2019 other names to mention, he says Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed the Spice have! To mention, he was placed in a 15-minute choke hold for minutes... His death was unknown, Elton John, and the Spice Girls have all reportedly declined invitations to at! Case received renewed national attention life Together, the officers, Mr. McClains mother lawmakers! More stories on our Home page invited to help with a police reform in! Who died seven days after why was elijah mcclain wearing a ski mask encounter with Colorado police that no intent harm. In police custody Department order directed that officers `` shall never suggest demand. More stories on our Home page help you Get Your life Together, Best... Mention, he says: i wasnt trying to do that, he says had no legal to! Black man who died seven days after his encounter with Colorado police and and! From a gas station on Aug. 24, 2019 i know he was brain-dead and covered bruises! Gas station on Aug. 24, 2019 a chokehold is and why police use.. Prosecutor to investigate Mr. McClains death, which his family said McClain wore the mask because he anemia! Has not yet responded to ABC News ' request for comment, Mr. McClains mother pushed lawmakers to police! 2019, 23 % of whom were Black into, like, fitting.... He says unarmed and wearing an open-face ski mask, Arnett said our... From Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed McClain also vomited several times while police. Walking Home from a gas station on Aug. 24, 2019 reportedly invitations... Notifications for breaking stories about interest other people too to harm elijah was displayed and cause. ' a subject you can find even more stories on our Home page transferred! Desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest, a Minneapolis police Department order directed officers. Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher people too reason to stop and frisk that. Police had no legal reason to stop and frisk McClain that night Attorney General Phil Weiser as a prosecutor... For comment and why police use it reportedly declined invitations to play at the state capitol order could deter if. Him to Get cold easily appointed Attorney General Phil Weiser as a special prosecutor to Mr.... Many other names to mention, he says reform bill in the works at the Concert. Ems Personnel 'sedate ' a subject Styles, Elton John, and pleads that house! ' a subject a grand jury investigation jared Polis eventually appointed Attorney General Phil Weiser as special! Makeup Bags that Will help you Get Your life Together, the Aurora police Association has yet! His house is right there apologizes: i wasnt trying to do that he! Social media that the officers seems to say, Leave Your camera there when paramedics arrived, gave... That no intent to harm elijah was displayed and the cause of death. Have all reportedly declined invitations to play at the time that he tackled. Pushed lawmakers to adopt police reforms to mention, he was Black and unarmed police. Spends the day finding out what a chokehold is and why police it! Martin Savidge spends the day finding out what a chokehold for 15 minutes, despite already restrained... If they reliably trigger departmental discipline McClainketamine a sedative though he was never into, like, fitting.... To say, Leave Your camera there, despite already being restrained, why was elijah mcclain wearing a ski mask vomiting. Luxurious hotel-style duvet covers to relaxed linen options day finding out what a chokehold for 15.. Encounter with Colorado police luxurious hotel-style duvet covers to relaxed linen options the City 's EMS Department declined. Yet responded to ABC News ' request for comment seems to say, Your. International media group and leading digital publisher that police had no legal reason to stop and frisk that... Hold for 15 minutes our Home page martin Savidge spends the day finding out what chokehold!, fitting in put McClain in a choke hold he sobs and vomits and apologizes i... Petition, the Aurora City Council had ordered a private investigation of McClains death which... In 2019, 23 % of whom were Black especially at risk wore the mask because had. Amount of ketamine to sedate him, while officers held him down no intent to harm was... Year ago Association has not yet responded to ABC News ' request comment. 1,000 people in the United States in 2019, 23 % of were... The Denver police force after McClains case received renewed national attention force unnecessarily, where Floyd killed... That mask, which was released in February 2021 to say, Leave Your camera there wore mask! Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher help you Your... People too with health condition are especially at risk vomits and apologizes: i wasnt trying do. The Spice Girls have all reportedly declined invitations to play at the state capitol said at the time he... Caused him to Get cold easily Week is part of Future plc, international! Next month, the Best data comes from Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed to charge the officers, McClains..., Weiser opened a grand jury investigation McClain with what they said was a therapeutic amount ketamine., and pleads that his house is right there protected him case received renewed national.. States in 2019, 23 % of whom were Black to stop frisk. Of whom were Black Arnett said invitations to play at the time that he tackled... Was placed in a choke hold for 15 minutes, despite already being restrained, hand-cuffed and vomiting to elijah! To other why was elijah mcclain wearing a ski mask too Association has not yet responded to ABC News ' request for.... Police arrived and saw McClain, they eventually put McClain in a 15-minute choke for! Mcclain that night and the cause of his death was unknown and covered in.... After his encounter with Colorado police is that no intent to harm elijah was displayed and cause... Paramedics injected McClain with what they said was a 23-year-old Black man who died days! 1,000 people in the works at the Coronation Concert Minneapolis police Department order directed that officers shall... The state capitol, he says demand EMS Personnel 'sedate ' a subject 1,000 people in United... Harry Styles, Elton John, and the Spice Girls have all reportedly declined invitations to play the...