FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:

CJ Frogozo, cj@fitzgibbonmedia.com, 310 570 2622
Kayla Keller, kayla@fitzgibbonmedia.com, 281 682 6212

New York, NY — “We applaud Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s decision to charge Renisha McBride’s confessed killer Theodore Paul Wafer with second-degree murder, along with lesser included charges of manslaughter and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, an important step towards ensuring that Black people are no longer killed with impunity. We send out love and support to Renisha’s family; were it not for their courage and the support of countless people across the county, Renisha’s case could have easily faded from the spotlight like so many other miscarriages of justice taking place every day across this nation. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the dignity and humanity of Black folks is recognized and affirmed by the justice system.

Theodore Wafer will stand trial for his deadly actions; prosecutors and law enforcement have determined that Wafer did not act in lawful self-defense under Michigan’s so-called “Stand Your Ground” — or “Shoot First” — law. ColorOfChange remains committed to our long-standing efforts to repeal deadly, racially-biased Shoot First laws, which have painted a target on the backs of Black people, wherever they are on the books. In both life and death, Black men and women like Renisha McBride have their lives criminalized and bodies devalued by a system that too often does not protect them. Shoot First laws have no place in a society that values fairness and public safety.

Over 42,000 ColorOfChange members took action calling on Kym Worthy’s office and the Dearborn Heights Police Department to fully investigate and press criminal charges in Renisha’s murder, and courageous local organizers took to the streets to demand justice. We must continue to work and stand together to demand a world where Black folks are safe to walk the streets at night, and where we can expect equality and justice from the society from within which we live.”

ColorOfChange.org’s efforts to end Shoot First have mobilized over 350,000 members, partners, and allies who are demanding repeal of these deadly laws nationwide.

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With more than 900,000 members, ColorOfChange.org is the nation’s largest online civil rights organization.