Vigil for Mario Gonzalez happening in Alameda, at the park where he died while detained by Alameda police on Apr. 19, 2021. #Oakland resident Gonzalez was 26 years old.

“What we know was he was a loving father, brother, partner, son,” said @CURYJ founder @george_galvis. “We already know they’re going to try to dehumanize him. We want you to know who Mario really was.”

Mario’s brother Jerry speaks: “My big brother not only raised me, Mario was a caretaker for my brother Efraim, who has autism. APD has spent the last few days releasing negative rumors and vague statements about Mario. They have not explained to our family why they killed Mario.”

Edith Arenales, the mother of Mario Gonzalez, speaks: “Mi hijo Mario era un hijo, una persona saludable, no violenta, un padre amoroso, un hijo comprensivo una persona que tenía mucho valor en la comunidad. Y para mi familia es como que me ha cortado un brazo.”

A translator shares what Edith said about her 22-year-old son, whom is on the spectrum and who Mario was a caretaker for: “Mario would take care of him. He would bathe him, shave him, fix his hair. As it stands right now, the kid can’t eat, sleep, he keeps asking where Mario is.”

Amanda Majail-Blanco, sister of Erik Salgado, 23, killed by CHP in Oakland last June, speaks: “Being here is fresh like the day I found out in June. I’m tired of continuously having to go through stuff like this at the hands of police. Police are still not held accountable. Why?”

“I hope those of you who are here continue to show up. They’re going to need continuous support until there is some form of justice. And only they know what that justice feels like. Don’t just show up when it’s convenient—to all the news media that’s here,” said Majail-Blanco.

Galvis reiterated demands made by the family, including APD bodycam footage and a city resolution condemning police violence: “There’s a reason why people consider Alameda such a racist city. Two Karens decided to call the police because a Brown man in Alameda looks suspicious.”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/east-bay/alameda-police-id-man-who-died-during-struggle-with-officers/2524413/%3famp APD “will coordinate releasing BWC video to the public with the investigating agencies, which must interview all involved parties prior to release," the department said, adding that release of the video is anticipated by the end of next week.”