Civil Rights Leader Areva Martin Intensifies Call for Justice in the Controversial Shooting of Autistic Teen, Challenges “Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer” Narrative
March 28 2024 - 8:32PM
Areva Martin, a renowned civil rights attorney and fervent advocate
for social justice, once again raises her voice in the wake of the
tragic shooting of 15-year-old Ryan Gainer by a San Bernadino
County sheriff’s deputy in Apple Valley, California. The Sheriff’s
Department's characterization of the incident as “Attempted Murder
of a Peace Officer” in its media advisory demands examination.
“In our pursuit of
truth and justice for Ryan Gainer, a young, autistic soul taken
from us under circumstances that cry out for clarity and
accountability, we are now confronted with a narrative that
compounds our grief with profound concern. Labeling this
heartbreaking incident as ‘Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer’
without a comprehensive and transparent review of the facts,
including the critical role Ryan’s autism may have played in his
interactions, is not only premature but potentially
unjust.
"Ryan’s actions,
driven by what was clearly a complex crisis situation, and the
department's response, both in the moment and in the aftermath,
requires careful consideration. Instead, the department reflexively
names their own deputy as a victim of Ryan's alleged criminal
behavior. This blatantly one-sided narrative risks overshadowing
the essential questions about the appropriateness of the force used
and the urgent need for law enforcement to adopt more effective
de-escalation techniques, especially when engaging with individuals
with disabilities or mental health challenges.
"We reiterate our
call for the full and immediate release of all body-camera footage
and other evidence pertinent to the incident. Transparency is the
bedrock of trust and accountability, and anything less undermines
both the pursuit of justice and the broader imperative to foster a
law enforcement culture that prioritizes the preservation of life,
particularly in its dealings with our community’s most
vulnerable.
"We stand with Ryan’s
family and all who seek not just answers but action. We call for a
reevaluation of policies and training protocols to ensure that law
enforcement officers are equipped to handle similar situations with
empathy, understanding, and restraint. It is imperative that we
work together to create a system that genuinely serves and protects
all members of society, with no exceptions.
"Our commitment to
Ryan’s memory and to the countless others affected by similar
tragedies is unwavering. We will continue to demand accountability,
push for meaningful reforms, and advocate for a future where such
tragedies are not only condemned but prevented.
"We invite the
community, officials, and all who believe in justice to join us in
this critical dialogue and in our ongoing efforts to seek justice
for Ryan. Together, we can turn our collective outrage into action
and ensure that Ryan’s legacy is one of lasting change.
"Furthermore, we
invite you to join us at a pivotal event that will address these
critical issues head-on: the “Together Town Hall: Autism, Mental
Health, and Policing,” planned as part of the Eighteenth Annual
Tools 4 Transformation Conference. Moderated by myself, this panel
will feature a diverse group of experts, advocates, and community
leaders dedicated to demanding change and ensuring safety and
accountability in law enforcement responses to autism and mental
health crises. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, from
9 AM to 10:30 AM at California State University, Dominguez Hills in
the Innovation & Instruction Building.
"This is an
invaluable opportunity for us to come together as a community to
seek solutions, support, and prevention strategies for the
future."
Register for the Town Hall event online today at
https://TFT18.eventbrite.com to secure your place. The event is
free, thanks to the DDS CORE Workforce Development Grant,
empowering parents and community members to make a significant
impact.
___________________________________________________________________
Special Needs Network,
Inc. is a nonprofit grassroots 501(c)(3) organization
responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental
disabilities in underserved communities. We recognize the
intersectionality of individuals with disabilities and that their
fight for disability rights is inextricably tied to the fight for
racial justice and the civil rights of all people. For more
information, visit www.snnla.org.
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Special Needs Network
communications@snnla.org