PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A small group of activists gathered Tuesday afternoon outside of a Center City bar on South 12th and Manning streets, where a 41-year-old man was allegedly punched by a bouncer and later died.
“Arrest the security guard that killed that Black, gay man visiting from Washington D.C,” a protester said by Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, the spot where at 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, police say Eric Pope was escorted out after being intoxicated.
Once he was outside on the sidewalk, a bouncer allegedly punched Pope, 41. Investigators said Pope fell to the ground, unconscious. He was taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition, but died this past Saturday.
Philadelphia activist Asa Khalif said he feels the bar bears responsibility for keeping everyone safe.
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"We're just now finding out about it. So we're here because this space is not a safe space for Black and brown people in the Gayborhood,” said Khalif.
"We are planning to protest. We are planning to block the doors. Get ready to arrest us, because we want justice. We want that guard, we want him arrested immediately. Also, we want new protection policies at Tabu."
It was unclear Tuesday evening if the bouncer was employed by the bar or an outside company.
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Representatives from Tabu on scene Tuesday declined to speak about the matter, and KYW Newsradio has reached out to the owners. The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said they are involved in the investigation, led by Philly police.
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Related podcast: Healing between communities in Philadelphia after violence.
