Protesters outside Gainey’s house demand justice for Jim Rogers
Man died in October after Pittsburgh police used Taser on him
Nearly 50 days after Jim Rogers died after being shocked with a Taser by Pittsburgh police officers, community members once again took to the streets, this time marching to Mayor- elect Ed Gainey’s house to “demand justice” for Mr. Rogers death.
Mr. Rogers, 54, died on Oct. 14, about 24 hours after he had been shocked by a Taser by Pittsburgh police officers while he was being arrested for an alleged theft of a bike in Bloomfield.
Neighbors later said the bike was being given away for free after it had failed to sell.
While Mr. Rogers was being taken to Allegheny County Jail, the police diverted him to UPMC Mercy due to a “medical emergency,” according to the police reports.
Allegheny County Police are investigating the incident at the request of the Pittsburgh police.
The group of about 25 protesters met at the intersection of Frankstown and Lincoln avenues in East Liberty and marched to Mr. Gainey’s house in Larimer, gaining community members along the way.
Organizers said they chose to gather near and at Mr. Gainey’s house so that he couldn’t deny knowing about the incident involving Pittsburgh police and Mr. Rogers.
“We’re not looking to get involved with anyone on a personal basis,” said one organizer, who only wanted to be identified as Devon. “It’s about politicians and the role they play in this city.”
The group also called on District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. to involve himself in the investigation and prosecute the cops involved in the incident.
“These people continue to pretend that they do not hear us,” Devon said. “So today, they’re going to hear us.”
The group spent about 20
minutes outside of Mr. Gainey’s home chanting for him to come outside.
“For you to be in office and be the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh and to do nothing to solve the problem, that’s wrong,” said Paris Richardson, of Oakland. “You can’t leave these people without answers.”
Mr. Gainey did not address the protesters. It has not been confirmed if he was at home.
Protesters also asked Mr. Gainey to put pressure on the investigation and to publicly release the names of any officers that were involved in the incident.
Pittsburgh police have not confirmed the names of the officers involved in the incident.
Earlier this month, protesters released a list of demands that included releasing the names of those officers and all security footage from the incident.
Although they have attended some protests in the past, no family members of Mr. Rogers were in attendance Tuesday evening.