The family of Banko Brown has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Walgreens, the private security company Kingdom Protective Services, and the security guard, Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony.
A transgender man was fatally shot by a security guard at a Walgreens store in San Francisco
The lawyers representing Brown’s family announced the lawsuit and stated that they are seeking a minimum of $25 million in damages. They argued that Walgreens’ policies contributed to the security guard’s belief that he could shoot and kill Brown over a petty theft incident.
The incident, which occurred on April 27, led to protests in San Francisco, with demonstrators demanding justice for Brown and raising concerns about criminal justice, smash-and-grab thefts, and homelessness in the city. The lawsuit alleges that Anthony shot and killed Brown out of frustration with other incidents of shoplifting and petty theft. Surveillance footage shows a scuffle between Brown and the security guard prior to the shooting.
The lawsuit claims that Anthony’s actions were in violation of longstanding security policies and accuses him of using lethal force when it was not necessary
The family’s attorney emphasized that Anthony should face murder charges. The lawsuit also mentions a policy change that instructed security guards to forcibly detain suspected shoplifters, potentially escalating encounters with minor property crimes.
Walgreens declined to comment on the lawsuit, and Kingdom Protective Services stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. The District Attorney’s office did not file charges against Anthony, citing his belief that he was in imminent danger during the altercation with Brown. However, the California Attorney General’s Office has agreed to review the decision not to charge Anthony.
The lawsuit reflects the family’s dissatisfaction with the outcome and their desire for a different prosecutor to examine the case. The family’s attorney expressed their appreciation for the attorney general’s review and their belief that it is necessary.
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