Black Lives Matter Activists Drown Out Charles Ramsey

The protesters disrupted a speech by the police commissioner to demand justice for Brandon-Tate Brown.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. AP | Matt Rourke

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey | Photo by AP/Matt Rourke

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey was speaking at an event at the Eastern State Penitentiary on Tuesday night, when Black Lives Matter activists disrupted him, making it impossible for him to continue.

“Black Lives Matter!” they shouted. “No racist police!”

Organizers told KYW that they were protesting over the death of Brandon Tate-Brown, who was shot by police during a traffic stop in December.

Asa Khalif and two dozen other members with the Philly Coalition for REAL Justice organized the protest for an armed Philadelphia man who was shot and killed by police.

“We needed to shut this down, we needed to demand, not ask at this point and time, Police Commissioner Ramsey to arrest and take off the street the officers who murdered Brandon Tate Brown last year.”

Ramsey says he plans on holding another discussion at a future point and time where he can engage the community on whatever questions and concerns they might have.

District Attorney Seth Williams announced in March that he would not charge the officers involved in shooting because they did not commit any crime. Tate-Brown’s family is suing the city, saying his civil rights were violated during an unnecessary stop.