Jay-Z and Team ROC stepped in to help a group of protesters arrested in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, including the mother of Alvin Cole, the 17 year old who was fatally shot by a police officer in February.
According to CBS News, police arrested 24 people on Thursday night for violating the city’s 7 PM curfew during protests over the decision not to charge Officer Joseph Mensah in the shooting. Tracy, Alvin’s mother, was among those arrested. The group alleged that Tracy and one other person were hurt by officers’ use of excessive force during the arrests, and both asked for medical attention. CBS News reported that police planned to review video and other evidence before deciding whether to seek additional charges.
A spokesperson for ROC Nation’s social justice arm told CBS News that Team ROC paid an undisclosed amount in court fees for Tracy and several other protesters arrested that night. Dania Diaz, executive director of Team ROC, said the organization’s hearts break for the family and the Wauwatosa community.
The protests followed Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm’s decision not to charge Mensah in the February 2 shooting. The district attorney said there was sufficient evidence that the officer believed deadly force was necessary and that the belief was objectively reasonable. According to the reports, Mensah pursued two people and fired at Alvin, who was carrying a stolen handgun, and it has been alleged that Alvin pointed the gun at the officer.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
