Denver, CO

A banner stating “Cops are Killing Us for Sport” was dropped on the Highland Bridge over Interstate 25 in Denver today. The 20-foot long message, designed in Bronco team colors, was visible on the primary route fans used to travel to the New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos AFC Championship game.

Drivers stopped their cars to view and film the banner, shutting down traffic on the highway. Some were upset about the traffic slow-down while others were honking and shouting in support of the message.

The banner remained on the bridge for 40 minutes while @ReclaimDenver tweeted pictures as well as their press release/demands.

Denver direct action: demands issued, banner deployed— “Cops Are Killing Us For Sport.” #ReclaimDenver pic.twitter.com/juXk6KCRJp

— @ReclaimDenver January 24, 2016

Below is the PRESS RELEASE from #ReclaimDenver explaining the action:

Denver, CO. January 24, 2016: In a courageous display of solidarity and in the true spirit of community, clergy and concerned Coloradans unveiled a banner reminding game-goers and attendant media that “Cops Are Killing Us For Sport” ahead of the 1:05pm MST kick-off of the National Football League (NFL) American Football Conference (AFC) championship game, to stand against racist policing and systemic violence. #ReclaimDenver unveiled the banner on the north face of Highland Bridge during the rush of pre-game tailgating traffic as a show of resistance against systemic unrepentant oppression of Black, Brown, Indigenous, Queer, Poor, and other marginalized people throughout greater Denver. Today, #ReclaimDenver did what Denver’s Mayor Michael Hancock refuses to do: took action to protect the people of Denver from police terror. People and vehicles came to a stop, witnessing the demand for a stop to state violence in Denver and beyond. Interested persons can follow updates via Twitter: @ReclaimDenver.

Far bigger than Broncos vs. Patriots is a fight for survival: marginalized people versus institutionalized racism. In the shadow of Mile High Stadium are Denver communities ravaged by rampant gentrification, families devastated by lethal police brutality. A Sunday that should be celebratory is instead marred by mourning. Paul Castaway was as deeply committed a Broncos fan as there is; he should be alive to enjoy this game. So should Marvin Booker, Michael Lee Marshall, Alonzo Ashley, and every person killed by Denver law enforcement, whose murders all went unprosecuted under the administration of Mayor Hancock. When leaders refuse to lead, the people must refuse to follow.

We call upon the elected and appointed so-called “leaders” of Denver and its environs to honor the following demands forthwith:
1. Immediate release of Sharod Kindell from custody.
2. Immediate termination of the deputies who killed Michael Lee Marshall.
3. Immediate intervention of the Department of Justice to lead a federal investigation of the continued racist conduct by the administration of Denver Mayor and City Councilors, Denver Police, Denver Sheriffs, and Denver District Attorney.
4. Immediate amnesty for all persons facing criminal charges related to protest activity in Denver.
5. Immediate repeal of the Urban Camping Ban”, and immediate resignation of its chief proponent: Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks.
6. Immediate resignation of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

Just as Michael Lee Marshall’s murder was not isolated, similarly: today’s action is not an isolated event. This banner serves to put Mayor Hancock and all others who encourage stage violence that we will not stand idly by while our people are slaughtered with impunity. More disruptive actions will occur as long as necessary, until the above demands are met, and until there is a demonstrable precipitous decrease in police violence in and near Denver, Colorado. We stand in Solidarity with Oakland. Ferguson. Cleveland. New York City. Chicago. Palestine. Baltimore. Minneapolis. Ayotzinapa. Ankara. We stand for Michael Lee Marshall. We stand united, we stand to: #ReclaimDenver.