Protest Wants Action for Man Shot Dead by Officer in Home Doorway

Do you remember John Geer?

In August 2013, a man who committed no crime – his hands above his head and placed on his front doorjamb – was shot through the chest by a Fairfax County, VA officer during a lengthy discussion. Officer “John Doe” claimed that Geer had moved his hand – to ear length. Geer had had his hands up for an estimated 45 minutes … And this is what the media referred to as a “stand-off.”

Apparently, this precipitated the need for SWAT boys with an MRAP to push through the house – and take with them an amount of unreturned belongings. After nearly an hour of doing who-knows-what during this process, but certainly not calling an ambulance, they discovered what you probably already guessed – John was lying dead on the floor. Five-and-a-half hours later, he remained sprawled on the floor.

His family, and some friends and neighbors who witnessed this unnecessary shock-and-awe – a fatal treatment stemming from a mild and non-violent domestic dispute – have never forgotten. Nearly 17 months will not wipe away their repeated attempts at justice and transparency. This entire time, the event has been shrouded in secrecy, and continues to get buried – including the identity of the “John Doe” who inexplicably fired that fatal shot. And was still at “desk duty” as of September this year.

In September, it was reported that Geer’s common-law wife filed a wrongful death and gross negligence suit against Fairfax County police, the police chief and three unnamed officers for over $12 million dollars. Still no answers … still no accountability. Not even an “internal investigation.” Fairfax seems to want enough time to pass so they can bury an unjustified killing of an unarmed man on site. They cannot – it won’t be forgotten.

Mike Curtis, founder of Northern Virginia Cop Block and spokesperson Justice for John Geer group, reports:

…[Family and friends] have watched and waited for nearly 17 months as the Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors have stonewalled all attempts to get even basic information regarding what happened that day.

Now they are finally closer to getting some answers. On Monday, December 22nd, the Fairfax County judge presiding over the civil lawsuit filed by John Geer’s family, has given the Fairfax County Police Department 30 days to release “Documents related to the shooting of John Geer,” “Videos and other recordings of statements” and “Documents reflecting the identity and location of all FCPD officers at the incident.” [emphasis added]

Curtis was featured in a news interview on Monday night (below).

Curtis writes:

While the judge’s order is a step in the right direction, a court order does not equate to transparency and while we may soon know the name of the officer who shot this unarmed and law abiding father of two, we all know how unlikely justice is to come from agents of the state investigating themselves. We need to demand civilian oversight and independent investigators at the least.

Therefore, a peaceful protest is planned about the death of John Geer and the lack of transparency and accountability from the Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors about what happened the day he was shot and killed.

Facebook Event Page
Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 10:00am
Fairfax County Government Judicial Center 4110 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Justice for John Geer Facebook Page

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