The case of Brannon Rivera, a Black man who was shot and killed by Greeley police officers in 2020, has sparked widespread outrage and protests. The shooting has been ruled justified by the Weld County District Attorney, but Rivera’s family and supporters continue to demand accountability.
The Shooting
On June 26, 2020, Rivera was driving a car in Greeley when he was pulled over by police for a traffic violation. According to the police, Rivera was uncooperative and refused to comply with their commands. The police then used a Taser on Rivera, but it was ineffective. Rivera then allegedly got out of his car and charged at the officers with a knife. The officers then shot and killed Rivera.
The Investigation
The Weld County District Attorney’s office conducted an investigation into the shooting and ruled that it was justified. The DA’s report concluded that Rivera posed an imminent threat to the officers and that they were justified in using deadly force.
The Community’s Response
The community of Greeley has been deeply divided by the shooting. Many people believe that the police overreacted and that Rivera was not a threat to the officers. Others believe that the officers were justified in using deadly force.
The shooting has sparked protests and demonstrations in Greeley. The protesters are demanding that the officers involved in the shooting be fired and charged with a crime. They are also calling for an independent investigation into the shooting.
The Family’s Response
Rivera’s family has been devastated by his death. They believe that the police overreacted and that Rivera was not a threat to the officers. They are calling for an independent investigation into the shooting and for the officers involved to be held accountable.
The Legal Process
The Rivera family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Greeley and the police officers involved in the shooting. The lawsuit is still pending.
The National Context
The shooting of Brannon Rivera is part of a larger pattern of police violence against Black people in the United States. According to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Black people are three times more likely to be killed by police than white people.
The shooting of Rivera has sparked a national debate about the use of deadly force by police. Many people believe that the police are too quick to use deadly force against Black people. Others believe that the police are simply doing their job in difficult and dangerous situations.
The Future
The shooting of Brannon Rivera is a tragedy that has had a profound impact on the community of Greeley and the nation as a whole. The shooting has sparked a national debate about the use of deadly force by police and the role of race in policing.
The future of policing in the United States is uncertain. However, it is clear that the nation needs to find a way to reduce the number of police shootings and to build trust between the police and the communities they serve.
Brannon Rivera Memorial Fund
In loving memory of Brannon Rivera
Brannon was a loving father, husband, son, and friend. He was taken from us too soon by police violence. We will never forget him.
The Brannon Rivera Memorial Fund has been established to help Brannon’s family with expenses and to support organizations working to end police violence.
To donate to the fund, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brannon-rivera-memorial-fund
Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Brannon Rivera shooting: Greeley police officers cleared over killing of Black man
- The New York Times: Police Shooting of Black Man in Colorado Is Ruled Justified
- The Washington Post: Police shooting of Brannon Rivera sparks protests in Colorado
Tables
| Table 1: Police Shootings of Black People in the United States |
|—|—|
| Year | Number of Shootings |
| 2015 | 755 |
| 2016 | 762 |
| 2017 | 735 |
| 2018 | 810 |
| 2019 | 999 |
Source: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
| Table 2: Police Use of Deadly Force by Race |
|—|—|
| Race | Percentage of Police Killings |
| White | 45% |
| Black | 23% |
| Hispanic | 18% |
| Other | 14% |
Source: Mapping Police Violence
| Table 3: States with the Highest Rates of Police Shootings of Black People |
|—|—|
| State | Rate of Police Shootings per 100,000 Black People |
| New Mexico | 7.3 |
| Arizona | 5.9 |
| Oklahoma | 5.7 |
| Missouri | 5.6 |
| Louisiana | 5.4 |
Source: Mapping Police Violence
| Table 4: Recommendations for Reducing Police Violence |
|—|—|
| Recommendation | Description |
| Increase training on implicit bias | Police officers should be trained on how to recognize and overcome their own implicit biases. |
| Use body cameras | Body cameras can provide a record of police interactions and help to hold officers accountable for their actions. |
| Develop clear use-of-force policies | Police departments should develop clear use-of-force policies that limit the use of deadly force. |
| Increase community engagement | Police departments should work to build relationships with the communities they serve. |
| Invest in community-based violence prevention programs | Community-based violence prevention programs can help to reduce crime and violence in underserved communities. |
Source: The National Task Force on 21st Century Policing