The national conversation about police violence that has followed in the wake of the protests in Ferguson, MO has important ramifications here in Austin, TX. In July of 2013, Larry Jackson, Jr. an unarmed African-American man, was shot and killed by Detective Charles Kleinert of the Austin Police Department. Because of the work of activists across the city, we were able to pressure the District Attorney’s office and ensure that Kleinert, unlike so many police officers across the country, was actually indicted.
Kleinert’s lawyers are now attempting to argue that his case should go to federal court rather than county court because at the time of the shooting Kleinert claims to have been working for federal law enforcement. If he succeeds in that claim, it is very likely that he will receive federal immunity and will not face any punishment for killing Larry Jackson, Jr. This is essentially an attempt to dial back the work that has happened here in Austin and reproduce the national pattern of getting police officers off on legal technicalities. Judge Yeakel was suppose to hear the case March 3rd, but has postponed the hearing to April 9th.
As a result, the People’s Task Force calls on all interested organizations and individuals to join us at a strategy meeting to plan our response to the events of April 9th. We welcome all who are committed to justice for the Jackson family and who are supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement to come and help organize a rally that will make sure that Detective Kleinert actually faces justice.
March 19th, 7pm
Cepeda Library Room #1
651 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin TX 78702
