Recently, Philadelphia's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 held a fundraiser for soon-to-be former Philadelphia police officer Ryan Pownall.
Pennsylvania Back Lives Matter members and members of the Justice for David Jones Coalition were also in attendance, vehemently pretesting the event, the Associated Press reports.
One of the protest's coordinators, Asa Khalif, could be heard through a bullhorn yelling, "It’s a disgrace you’re having a party for a murderer,” and “You’re celebrating someone that’s killing black people.”
The fundraiser, called “Back the Blue: I Stand With Ryan,” was described on Facebook as a benefit for Ryan Pownall and as an opportunity "to support one of our brothers in blue.” Tickets were $40 per a person, and according to the event's Facebook page, about 218 people attended.
Back in June, Officer Pownall shot 30-year-old David Jones after Jones was pulled over in Philadelphia for recklessly operating a dirt bike, the Philadelphia Tribune reports.
A security camera from a local deli captured the shooting. The footage showed Pownall shooting Jones in the back as Jones ran away with his back towards the officer.
An investigation found that during a struggle between the two men, Pownall allegedly placed his hand on Jones' waist and felt a gun. Pownall then reportedly told Jones not to move, after which Jones broke free, running while leaving his gun behind.
Pownall attempted to fire at the fleeing Jones, but his gun jammed. The department found this action to be illegal on Pownall's part, as a weaponless, fleeing Jones no longer posed a threat to Pownall's safety.
Pownall managed to get his gun to work again, and fired two shots, hitting Jones in the buttocks and in the back. Jones was then rushed to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Police commissioner Richard Ross has said that the 12-year veteran will be terminated later this month. He was placed on suspension during the investigation into his actions.
The fundraiser was meant to help Pownall live now that he is without a job. When asked why they were attending the event, however, attendees refused to comment.
