1 Year Anniversary Vigil for Kevin Callahan, killed by police

John Mitty Thursday, September 20, 2012

VIGIL FOR KEVIN JOHN CALLAHAN, MURDERED BY SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE

On the 1 Year Anniversary, the Family and Friends Continue to Demand Justice

The family and friends of Kevin John Callahan are holding a candlelight vigil on Thursday, September 20th, 2012 at 7pm, on the 1 year anniversary of Kevin's death at the hands of Suffolk County police. The vigil will take place at Liberty Park in Selden, Suffolk County, Long Island, at the end of Franklin Avenue between Boyle Road and Linwood Avenue. Family, friends, and concerned community members will gather that evening in memory of Kevin, and to demand justice for him and all victims of murder by Suffolk County PD officers.

On September 20, 2011, 26 year old Kevin John Callahan was shot and killed in his own home by Suffolk County PD. Earlier that afternoon Kevin called his mother asking for help, saying that there was someone in the house that was going to hurt him. His mother heard expletives in the background, and subsequently called Kevin's brother Christopher to inform the police. Police responded to the call, and entered Kevin's home on their own accord. Kevin was hiding in a back bedroom when police officers shot him through the door three times in his back. Kevin laid in the room handcuffed and bleeding profusely until 7pm when he was pronounced dead by the medical examiner.

There was no reason for excessive force as the police officers could not even see Kevin from behind the door. The shooting officer claimed that he entered the house out of concern for the mother, even though Kevin's brother stated on the phone call that neither he nor their mother were home; that it was just Kevin and whoever was threatening him in the house. Police did not tell the family that Kevin was dead until 4 hours later. The reports released to media immediately after contained incorrect information and distorted the fact that Kevin was an unarmed, innocent victim killed by the police in his own home. As stated by his sister Alison Callahan, Kevin “was a bright spot in my life. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a grandson, a nephew, a boyfriend and a friend… The police are supposed to serve and protect. I believe they fell short that day and all the other days when other families have been affected by police brutality.”

Why did they use excessive force? Kevin was not a threat. Why did they enter the home without permission? Why did they shoot him through the door? The shooting police officer said he was in fear for his life; he said he saw a shadow, but it could have been anyone in that room. Why does an officer shoot blindly into an area? Kevin Callahan’s family is demanding answers to these questions and more, and on September 20^th, 2012, they are hoping many from throughout Long Island and New York will come support them in their battle for justice.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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