Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson issued a call for justice Wednesday for Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who died after being detained by police in Aurora, Colorado, last year.
"There is no debate that men, (women) and children of color are 'policed' to a much harsher and catastrophic standard than white America," Thompson wrote in an Instagram post. "Waking up to the news of another murder of an unarmed brother, sister, mother, father or friend is so mentally draining and demoralizing and sometimes feels like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. But there is ... it will take so much work and effort from conscious citizens across the globe. So many institutions need restructuring (voting rights, police procedures, minority representation in politics).
"Let's help bring justice to Elijah and his family. As well as so many others who will never be forgotten and rest in power."
McClain was stopped by police while on his way home from a convenience store on Aug. 24, 2019, following a 911 call about a "suspicious person," according to CNN's Leslie Perrot. A police report stated McClain resisted officer contact and a struggle ensued, during which he could be heard saying, "I'm an introvert, please respect the boundaries that I am speaking.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced Wednesday that his administration will re-examine the case after a petition urging officials to open a new investigation into McClain's death received more than 2 million signatures.