NEW YORK CITY, New York – The 25th anniversary of Amadou Diallo’s death at the hands of police in the Bronx brought together influential figures in the fight for police reform, including the mothers of other men who were killed by police. Diallo, an unarmed 23-year-old, was shot 41 times by plainclothes police officers on February 4, 1999, in a case that sparked widespread outrage. The officers claimed they mistook Diallo for a suspect and opened fire when he reached into his pocket for his wallet. Diallo was killed as he sought safety inside his own building. The officers involved were acquitted of charges, including second-degree murder, a decision that led to public outcry and demands for police accountability. In light of the anniversary, community leaders are pushing for the How Many Stops Act, aimed at increasing transparency around police interactions.
Diallo’s mother, Kadiatou Diallo, spoke at the vigil, expressing her determination to keep her son’s memory alive and to continue fighting for justice. She emphasized the need to never forget the injustices suffered by those killed by police, stressing the importance of preserving their stories. Other mothers of victims killed by police, including Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, were also present at the vigil, highlighting the continued impact and relevance of these cases in the ongoing fight for police accountability and reform.
Speakers at the vigil underscored the ongoing need to carry on Diallo’s legacy and to ensure that lessons are learned from his tragic death. Despite the passage of time, the impact of Diallo’s case and others like it continues to drive the push for change. The efforts to honor Diallo’s memory and hold law enforcement accountable for their actions demonstrate the enduring impact of his story and the determination of the community to seek justice and reform.