On Wednesday 27th May Florida trans man Tony McDade was fatally shot and killed by a white police officer in a further incident of police violence towards the BIPOC community. The news of this incident came out during protests across the United States due to the police murder of another black man, George Floyd.
According to information from the Tallahassee police, Tony was a suspect in a stabbing incident. Tony was identified as the main suspect by the as of yet unnamed victim. This seems to be backed up by a post on Tony's social media, where he released a video stating that he wanted revenge for a beating that he was the victim of.
In the video Tony says 'You killed me, I'm gonna kill you'. He also said that this would lead to a stand-off with police. In his final post to Facebook he said 'I'm living suicidal right now'.
The police followed public tips for a person matching Tony's description, which led to a confrontation with him. According to Chief Lawrence Revell, Tony was armed with a gun and 'made a move consistent with using the firearm against the officer'. Rather than arrest Tony, the police shot and killed him. It has not been confirmed if any of the officers present at the incident were wearing a body-cam, or if their are any witnesses to the incident to corroborate that Tony was armed and threatening police officers; though according to the Human Rights Campaign several people managed to record the event.
Initial police and media reports about the incident misgendered Tony and used the incorrect name and pronouns. Thankfully friends and family came forward to correctly identify him.
Around 30 members of the local community gathered to hold a candlelight vigil following the killing. Residents from his apartment complex have also created a memorial next to a tree in the area where he was killed.
Following the incident the Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition released a statement to say 'It pains me to have learned about Tony McDade, who we understand was killed by a member of the Tallahassee Police Department yesterday morning. This tragic incident should be a reminder that hate crimes against Black LGBTQ/SGL people happen too frequently - often without the national public outcry that our cis and/or heteronormative brothers and sisters receive'.
Tori Cooper, the director off community engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative at the Human Rights Campaign also released a statement. 'The Human Rights Campaign and the entire transgender and non-binary community demand accountability and answers for Tony’s death, and countless violent deaths of trans people, Black people and, disproportionately, Black transgender people. While these deaths are visible due to recordings and social media, we know far too many go completely ignored. Black people, LGBTQ people, and especially all LGBTQ people of colour are at greater risk for violence every day in this country. This must end. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn with Tony’s family and friends.'
According to the Human Rights Campaign, who track as many incidents as possible, at least another eleven other transgender or gender-nonconforming people have been violently killed in the US in 2020. This also marks yet another incident of a black person who has been killed by the police.
Police Chief Lawrence Revell said in a press conference that their was 'no indication' that the police officers involved acted wrongly, or that the killing was racially motivated.
I mourn for Tony along with his family and friends and send a huge hug to all he knew. I know the pain he felt all to well. Know Tony, that you are loved by us all. Rest my man.
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