Keenan Anderson, American hit-and-run suspect, Died at 31

Keenan Anderson: Honoring a Life Cut Short

The passing of Keenan Anderson, a respected African American man, on January 3, 2023, was marked by distressing circumstances that have ignited important discussions about law enforcement and public safety.

A Life Dedicated to Education

Keenan Darnell Anderson, aged 31 at the time of his passing, was a devoted high school English teacher at the Digital Pioneers Academy in Washington, D.C. His teaching inspired and impacted the lives of young students, showcasing his passion for education. Beyond being a teacher, he was a loving father and a cherished cousin of Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of the influential Black Lives Matter movement.

The Tragic Sequence of Events

The tragic events leading to Anderson's untimely death unfolded during his visit to Los Angeles. A vehicular accident occurred at the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles on January 3, 2023. The LAPD responded to the incident, which involved Anderson in a hit-and-run during a traffic collision. Allegedly, he attempted to enter another person's car without permission after the accident.

A Confrontation with Law Enforcement

The situation escalated as Anderson, visibly distressed, interacted with law enforcement officers. He expressed fear for his safety and mentioned concerns about being harmed, drawing a distressing parallel to George Floyd's tragic death in 2020. Despite Anderson's pleas, officers restrained him and used a taser multiple times within a brief duration. He was then handcuffed and had his legs bound.

A Heart-Wrenching Passing

Anderson was transported to a local hospital following his arrest, where he tragically passed away about four and a half hours later. This marked the third fatality in LAPD custody in 2023. A preliminary police toxicology report indicated the presence of cocaine and marijuana in Anderson's system.

Seeking Answers and Justice

In the wake of Anderson's death, investigations were launched into the circumstances surrounding his passing and the deaths of two other civilians involved in unrelated police incidents. The Los Angeles mayor, Karen Bass, stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in these investigations. Autopsy results cited the cause of Anderson's death as "effects of cardiomyopathy and cocaine use," although the exact manner of his passing remained undetermined.

A Plea for Change

Anderson's cousin, Patrisse Cullors, urged for the resignation of Chief Moore and the officers involved in the incident, underscoring the need for compassionate care for Anderson. The Anderson family announced their intention to sue the city of Los Angeles, seeking $100 million in damages, alleging unlawful assault and battery by police officers.

Voices United for Change

In response to Anderson's tragic death, protests were held in Los Angeles in January and February 2023. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for reform and a renewed commitment to ensuring public safety and justice for all.