Aurora council rises from seats for man shot dead by police

A man who identified himself as KDOT speaks to the City Council in June about the death of Kilyn Lewis. KDOT returned to the council Monday.Photo byAurora TV/City of Aurora

In a moving show of support, the entire Aurora City Council present at Monday’s meeting stood when asked if they thought Kilyn Lewis, a Black man shot dead by police, should still be alive. Council member Alison Coombs was absent.

Supporters of Lewis packed the council chambers yet again in a show of support for their fallen family member and friend. This time, the crowd did not disrupt the meeting during public comment period. Everyone sat down when their three minutes were up. The mayor said before opening public comment that if everyone remained civil, he would support extending comment period beyond the one-hour limit. That is what happened, and all 24 people signed up to speak were heard.

Nadine Holmes asked the council dais, which includes Mayor Mike Coffman, City Manager Jason Batchelor and Interim City Attorney Jack Bajorek, if they would stand if they believe Kilyn Lewis still should be alive. Despite angry words exchanged between council members and the audience during the past several council meetings, the council stood in unison. Coffman, Batchelor and Bajorek did not stand.

“Procrastination is not justification for lack of restoration,” said Homes, who like most of the people who spoke emphasized it has been 81 days since police shot Lewis. Like many who spoke, she pointed at City Manager Jason Batchelor and argued he has the power to fire Michael Dieck, the officer who shot Lewis.

She told those who did not stand, “the three of you are a reflection of why lynching continues to happen in our streets.’”

Lewis’ mother gives tearful testimony

La Ronda Jones, Lewis mother, tearfully explained to the council via telephone testimony how much she misses her son. “I’m so angry the way that he died because officer Michael Dieck had no right to take my son’s life period, especially in the heinous way that he did.

Lewis was shot dead by Aurora police on May 23. Police said he was not armed but Dieck pulled the trigger when Lewis reached for his cell phone. Commenters Monday noted everyone has a cell phone at the ready these days and one people shouldn’t be shot for reaching for one.

Aurora police were serving a warrant on Lewis for attempted homicide when Dieck shot him. Body camera footage released by the Aurora Police Department showed Lewis did not have a gun and repeatedly yelled “I don’t have nothing!” with his hands in the air.

After all 24 people spoke, Batchelor explained he does not have the power to fire Dieck. He said due process must take its course and the District Attorney’s office needs to complete its investigation. Batchelor also expressed his condolences over Lewis’ death.

But the crowd did not like his explanation and began to chant “Eighty-one days.” The council then moved on to its regular business, shouting motions over the chanting audience until they finally left.

Council votes to allow guns at meeting

In other council action Monday, the body voted to opt out of a new state law that does not allow concealed carry weapons at council meetings.

“The council believes that opting out of the state law prohibition will enhance public safety and the efficient operation of local government by allowing tailored regulations that better serve the interests of the residents,” reads a bill introduced by council member Curtis Gardner. The ordinance further states:

· The carrying of firearms in or upon public facilities is unlawful when said facilities are posted with notification that the carrying of firearms is prohibited.

· Nothing in this section shall be construed to forbid any law enforcement officer from carrying or wearing such weapons and firearms as shall be necessary in the proper discharge of his or her duties.

· It shall not be an offense if the person was carrying a concealed handgun and had, at the time of carrying the concealed handgun, a valid permit to carry such concealed handgun.