LOS ANGELES — Gun violence has completely changed one Los Angeles father’s life.
In 2018, 30-year-old Grechario Mack was shot and killed by police inside the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Mall.
Last year the Los Angeles Police Commission ruled the officers violated policy by fatally shooting Mack after he fell. Prosecutors will determine whether there will be criminal charges.
“They need to be held accountable. That’s all we want is accountability. We want justice. If we did what these cops are doing we would be locked up for life,” said Quintus Moore, Mack’s father.
When mental illness, a weapon, and armed police officers come together the results can be devastating. Moore says the ultimate deciding factor in a case like this is often race. He believes the problems start at the top with the political leadership.
“Once [President] Trump got in the fangs came out, the claws came out, the Karens came out. They came out of the woodwork. You hear about the Proud Boys. You hear about all these groups. I mean they’re just everywhere,” said Moore.
Moore spends a good chunk of his time now protesting. He’s calling to defund the police and he’s pushing to put different people in office. While trying to pass legislation is another goal, he feels there’s progress being made out on the streets by protesting.
“They’re effective because they’re getting the word out that we need to vote,” said Moore.
Mack leaves behind two daughters who are with their mom now. He also leaves behind the inspiration to make change happen.