Brianna Hill’s family has been fighting for justice for nearly a year since two officers brutalized her for no reason. But the family’s tragedy has been ongoing ever since the cops committed the initial act of violence.
Brianna Hill was outside of a beauty supply store when she encountered two police officers. They were originally called there by Brianna herself, but she was the one arrested! What officers did next led to the situation her family is in now.
Officers brutally assaulted her by pinning her to the ground. In a disturbing video of the arrest, they violently press their knees into her face, ribs, and torso.
Unfortunately, she would never live to see justice. She was killed a few months later, like too many Black trans women are, in a shooting. Despite this, her family is still fighting.
The officers were indicted on charges of fourth-degree assault, which is a misdemeanor. Her family has expressed disappointment at such weak charges, but for Black trans women like Brianna who experience disproportionate violence, this is nothing new at all.
Brianna should have been able to see the officers punished before she was taken from us. Her experience with police brutality is one any Black person is capable of experiencing.
It’s our hope that one day, all Black people can live free of fear police will abuse us.