‘Justice for David Jones’ demonstrators finally got face-to-face time with Philadelphia City Councilman Mr. Bobby Henon, who’s area of governance includes the 15th Police District, which has been responsible for at least two deaths of unarmed black men – Mr. Brandon Tate-Brown in December of 2014 and Mr. David Jones in June of 2017, both of whom were shot and killed while fleeing white officers – over the course of nearly three years.
But the meet-and-greet was neither pleasant nor expected. After protesters had visited Mr. Henon’s City Hall office, twice, and was unsuccessful in getting Mr. Henon, the majority whip, to commit to a meeting, they visited the bowels of Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia, where the Democrat on Wednesday evening was celebrating the opening of a small wooden bridge.
As is the practice of the infamous demonstrators, Mr. Asa Khalif and Mr. Isaac Gardner, they approached the lectern and declared the event, which attracted almost no people of color, over. Mr. Henon, however, was defiant. He attempted to continue with his remarks, though they were inaudible, and led spectators across the bridge while creating bubbles and ignoring the two gentlemen who stood before him demanding justice for the late Mr. Jones, who was 30-years-old when murdered by Officer Ryan Pownhall.
Mr. Khalif and Mr. Gardner, who lives in Mr. Henon’s Councilmanic District, have a legitimate gripe. Mr. Henon has remained silent after both fatal shootings and he hasn’t reached out to neither the family of Mr. Jones, who has yet to meet with any City official, nor the eyewitness of the June 8th shooting, who, along with two of his kids, were being transported to the Special Victims Unit after a kidnapping when Mr. Pownhall abandoned them to pursue Mr. Jones, who was mounted on a dirtbike.
The eyewitness, who has been identified as Terrance F., also lives in Mr. Henon’s Councilmanic District and is in desperate need of counseling services for his young children who were in arms-length of the struggle between Mr. Jones and Mr. Pownhall, saw the Taser used, and heard the shots fired. Terrance F., told me that the two kids were allowed to sit-out the remaining of the school year and now have anxiety whenever they hear fireworks.
The Philadelphia Police Commissioner on June 19th promised that the department would provide counseling services to Terrance F., yet they’ve reneged on the pledge, only offering an extensive list of referrals that the burly father could choose from; the department hasn’t even followed up to ensure Terrance F., is navigating the process smoothly.
I requested a comment several times on Wednesday from Mr. Henon. He declined to speak at all and left the event early, leaving his constituents behind.
Thanks for reading! Until next time, I’m Flood the Drummer® and I’m Drumming for Justice!™
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