Why It MattersMr. McClain’s death in August 2019 drew new scrutiny after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis nine months later.
The May 2020 killing of Mr. Floyd, videotaped by a bystander, ignited a national movement around police brutality and racial injustice.
Mr. McClain’s death was quickly linked with the deaths of Mr. Floyd and Breonna Taylor, a Black medical worker who was shot and killed by the Louisville police in a botched no-knock raid.
In addition, the death of Mr. McClain set in motion multiple investigations into the Aurora Police Department resulting in a state consent decree as well as local reform efforts.
At the time the police stopped Mr. McClain, he was wearing a dark mask (his mother said he had anemia which could make him cold) and waving his arms.
Persons:
McClain’s, George Floyd, Floyd, Breonna Taylor, McClain
Organizations:
Louisville police, Aurora Police Department
Locations:
Minneapolis