PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A team of Philadelphia lawyers from firms across the city are coming together to stand in solidarity with protesters who have taken to the streets to voice their anger over the shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr.
Kevin Mincey represents more than 200 protesters who were allegedly pepper sprayed and injured during protests earlier this year and are now filing suit against the city of Philadelphia.
He said protesters should be able to exercise their First Amendment rights without retribution from law enforcement.
“The peaceful protesters who are out in West Philly protesting the killing of Mr. Wallace have rights, and we are paying attention to the police response,” Mincey explained.
He said following protests earlier this year, city officials said they would change protest protocol when it comes to the treatment of protesters, and they need to be held accountable to make sure they do so.
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“The last few nights have really been their opportunity to see if they are going to be true to their word as far as the promised changes,” he said.
His firm is currently investigating the treatment of protesters, saying some of his clients who protested in the summer were injured by police after protesting in the city the past two nights.
Mincey hopes their current lawsuit against the city will help them come to a resolution that brings significant reform to the way communities are policed.
Mincey said he is working with lawyers from other firms to continue to push for better treatment from police for protesters.