Footage of Walgreens security guard killing trans activist Banko Brown sparks outrage

16 May 2023

New surveillance footage is circulating that shows a Walgreens security guard killing a transgender male organizer who was accused of shoplifting.

According to The Guardian, the footage captures the April 27th physical assault that subsequently led to the death of Banko Brown, a 24-year-old emerging community organizer. The disturbing clip was released by Brooke Jenkins, the district attorney assigned to assist with tackling crime.

Per the news outlet, "The video, as well as the announcement by the San Francisco district attorney's office it will not seek charges against the guard, is likely to reignite protests, which have popped up in San Francisco and spread through California since the killing, with activists demanding criminal prosecution and calling for increased investments in Black trans youth."

In the wake of the shooting, Jenkins released a statement explaining the reason for releasing the harrowing footage.

"While I wish this tragedy would have never happened in the first place, it is my duty to follow the law and the evidence wherever it leads," she said. "I join [Banko's] friends, family, and community in grieving him and searching for ways to address the systemic issues that led us to where we are today."

Jenkins also called the shooting "reasonable" and is declining to prosecute the alleged shooter.

Those facts coupled with the graphic footage of Brown's untimely death have sparked outrage on social media.

Melissa Nold, Esq.: "Jenkins wildly and intentionally misstates the law in order to justify her agenda. A DA cannot rely on a person's subjective fear to justify a homicide. Jenkins has opened herself up to bar complaints for malpractice and violation of ethics rules. Recall Jenkins & Breed!"

Amina Jones: "This was a public murder and no one is being held accountable?! They didn't even fight back, self-defense?! How do you explain sh*t like this to your children?"

Nakia Alim: "The guard attacked him & refused to let him leave (arrested). He even stated 'I would've let him leave if he had calmed down.' He should be charged and we should be boycotting stores with armed 'guards,' esp @walgreens. He was shoplifting food btw. No one shld feel safe there."

The Quiet Norm: "DA still can't recognize a homicide when it happens?"

"WTF. This is brutal and looks like murder to me," one user tweeted. "All the way From Scotland. I’m glad we have strict gun laws. As a Military man myself, I personally think the weapon was extreme!"

"That doesn't seem like the security guard was in any danger," wrote another.

Watch the video at this link (warning: graphic images).

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