A candlelight vigil took place in Northridge to honor Keith Porter Jr., a man fatally shot by an off-duty immigration officer on New Year’s Eve. Approximately 50 people, including family, friends, and activists, gathered outside the Village Pointe apartment complex to pay their respects.
Details of the Incident
Porter was reportedly shot on December 31 by an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Witnesses from Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles stated that Porter was celebrating the New Year by firing a rifle into the air when he was shot.
- Date of Incident: December 31
- Location: Village Pointe apartment complex, Northridge
- Key Individuals: Keith Porter Jr., off-duty ICE agent, Melina Abdullah
- Organizations Involved: Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles, Project Islamic Hope
Community Response and Calls for Justice
During the vigil, attendees shared their grief and called for an independent investigation into Porter’s death. Melina Abdullah, co-director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, emphasized the need for recognition of the injustice faced by Porter and his family.
Mourning and Remembrance
Mourners created a makeshift memorial, leaving messages of love and support for Porter, who was a father to a 9-year-old daughter. Local clergy, like Bishop Jack Wilson, shared their memories of Porter, highlighting his joyful spirit and positive demeanor.
Ongoing Investigations
The shooting of Keith Porter Jr. is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division. In addition, the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, and Homeland Security Investigations have also taken an interest in the case due to the involvement of a federal officer.
Abdullah indicated that Black Lives Matter Grassroots plans to meet with L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to request a federal investigation into the actions of the off-duty ICE agent. The community continues to assert its demand for justice in light of this tragic loss.
