Banko Brown was a 24-year-old transgender community organizer in San Francisco. Banko volunteered at the Young Women’s Freedom Center, which advocates for transgender youth and young women, and recently found himself unhoused, sleeping on trains. On April 27, Banko was accused by Walgreens' security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony of shoplifting while still inside of the store. Anthony tackled and repeatedly punched Banko on the floor. When Banko was allowed to get up, he grabbed his bag and headed out of the door. Just outside of the store, Anthony shot and killed Banko. Banko was unarmed.

The following day, San Francisco police arrested Anthony on suspicion of murder, but, on May 2, San Francisco district attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that she would not be filing any charges against Anthony. Jenkins refused to release surveillance footage of the killing, yet said in a statement that the security video "clearly" showed Anthony acted "in self-defense." The community was outraged. On May 9, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to demand that Jenkins make the video public. Finally, on May 15, the DA released the video footage and other files related to the case. The video does not show Anthony acting in self-defense.

Banko's friends, family, co-workers, and concerned community members have protested ever since to demand accountability for the killing, marching and rallying at City Hall, the DA's office, and at the Walgreens on Market Street where Banko was shot. On May 26, Banko's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Walgreens, its parent company, a security firm, and the guard who shot him, seeking $25 million in damages.

Avenge Banko Brown | Banko Brown Murder & License To Kill: SF Press Conference At DA Brook Jenkins Office | Recall Jenkins (5/19) | Recall Brooke Jenkins! (5/12) | Justice for Banko Brown (5/7) | SF DA files, including video

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