SAY HIS NAME: KEITH PORTER JR.

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  SAY HIS NAME: KEITH PORTER JR. THE EXECUTION OF KEITH PORTER JR. Why We Refuse the State’s Narrative The killing of Keith Porter Jr. on New Year’s Eve in Northridge exposes a truth the state works hard to hide: the so-called “war on immigrants” has always been a war on Black people. While officials argue policy and borders, Keith bled on the pavement outside his own home. The near-total silence from national media is not accidental—it protects the man who killed him. This is why we say, without compromise: Black Lives Matter. The Truth vs. the “Active Shooter” Lie The Department of Homeland Security rushed to brand the shooter, Brian Palacios , a “hero” who stopped an “active shooter.” That story collapses under scrutiny. Vigilantism, Not Enforcement: Palacios was off duty. He was not dispatched. He chose to put on tactical gear, take his service weapon, and hunt a neighbor celebrating the New Year. Zero Accountability: Any civilian who masked up and armed themselve...

Remembering Alex Pretti

Remembering Alex Pretti 

It is heartbreaking to discuss the loss of anyone to violence, especially when that person dedicated their life to healing others. Alex Pretti was by all accounts a remarkable person whose life was defined by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to his community.

Remembering Alex Pretti (1988–2026)

Alex was a 37-year-old ICU registered nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, where he cared for our nation’s veterans. His colleagues and friends describe him as a "kindhearted soul" and the "gentlest person you’d ever meet." Beyond his professional life, he was an avid outdoors-man who loved mountain biking and was often seen with his beloved dog, Joule.

Alex wasn't just a bystander in his community; he was an active participant in seeking justice. At the time of the incident on January 24, 2024, he was reportedly acting as a legal observer, a role dedicated to documenting interactions between law enforcement and the public to ensure transparency and safety. His loss is a tragedy that has deeply impacted the nursing community and those he served.

The Reality of Police Violence Across All Communities

We are acknowledging that white lives are also taken by police, and the data supports that this is a widespread American crisis. Accountability is not a zero-sum game; the movement for justice seeks to protect everyone from state-sanctioned violence.

According to data from Mapping Police Violence and the 2025 Police Violence Report:

  • Raw Numbers: In 2025, law enforcement killed at least 1,201 people. In terms of total numbers, white individuals make up the largest group of people killed by police annually.

  • Unarmed Victims: Of the 98 unarmed people killed by police in 2025, 42 were white.

  • Regional Data: In several states—including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, and Ohio—white individuals were the most frequent victims of fatal police shootings in 2025.

  • Systemic Issues: Research from institutions like the Brookings Institution suggests that while racial disparities are stark on a per capita basis, factors like socioeconomic status and the lack of mental health resources are primary drivers of police violence affecting white communities as well.

Our Shared Goal: Accountability

When we say "Black Lives Matter," it is a call to address a specific, documented disparity, but the ultimate goal is systemic reform that makes everyone safer. Whether it is Alex Pretti in Minneapolis or any of the hundreds of white individuals killed by police each year, these deaths highlight a critical need for:

  1. Stricter Use-of-Force Standards: Ensuring that lethal force is truly a last resort.

  2. Independent Investigations: Removing the "thin blue line" by having outside agencies investigate fatal encounters.

  3. Mental Health Support: De-escalating crises before they turn deadly.

The fight for justice for Alex Pretti is a fight for the idea that no one should be killed by those sworn to protect and serve without a transparent, lawful, and ethical accounting of why it happened.