David Sjostedt

Just a short walk from the festivities in Civic Center for San Francisco’s annual Pride Celebration, more than 200 organizers and protestors gathered along Polk Street for the People’s March.

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Just a short walk from the festivities in Civic Center for San Francisco’s annual Pride Celebration, more than 200 organizers and protestors gathered along Polk Street for the People’s March.

Starting in front of the Cinch Saloon, the Polk Gulch neighborhood’s only remaining gay bar, the crowd erupted into a chant <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-killing-outraged-speakers-demand-sf-supervisors-call-on-feds-and-state-to-review-killing/">“Justice for Banko Brown”</a> for the transgender man who was shot and killed by a San Francisco Walgreens security guard in April.

Starting in front of the Cinch Saloon, the Polk Gulch neighborhood’s only remaining gay bar, the crowd erupted into a chant <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-killing-outraged-speakers-demand-sf-supervisors-call-on-feds-and-state-to-review-killing/">“Justice for Banko Brown”</a> for the transgender man who was shot and killed by a San Francisco Walgreens security guard in April.

The march, which started in 2020 in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, has come to commemorate the protest-based origins of the city’s first gay liberation march in 1970 and an antidote to the corporatism of the San Francisco Pride Parade, organizers and participants said.

The march, which started in 2020 in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, has come to commemorate the protest-based origins of the city’s first gay liberation march in 1970 and an antidote to the corporatism of the San Francisco Pride Parade, organizers and participants said.

“It’s a gathering of people who want change and don’t want to be part of corporate America,” said <a href="https://juanitamore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juanita MORE!</a>, a celebrated drag performer who helped organize the event. “It’s a way to get back to the roots.”

“It’s a gathering of people who want change and don’t want to be part of corporate America,” said <a href="https://juanitamore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juanita MORE!</a>, a celebrated drag performer who helped organize the event. “It’s a way to get back to the roots.”

MORE! said it provides a place for people seeking a respite from mainstream Pride events often seized upon by large corporations.

MORE! said it provides a place for people seeking a respite from mainstream Pride events often seized upon by large corporations.

Longtime activist Ham Lane attended the march for the first time and plans to participate for years to come. Lane had stopped going to Pride events because they believed it had moved away from celebrating queer people.

Longtime activist Ham Lane attended the march for the first time and plans to participate for years to come. Lane had stopped going to Pride events because they believed it had moved away from celebrating queer people.

“Today, I’m thinking about Banko Brown,” Lane said. “This is a way for me to move away from the commercialization of the regular march.”

“Today, I’m thinking about Banko Brown,” Lane said. “This is a way for me to move away from the commercialization of the regular march.”

Brown’s death became a flashpoint in the city after District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that she would not seek charges against the security guard.

Brown’s death became a flashpoint in the city after District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that she would not seek charges against the security guard.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_4309-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175425"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Juanita MORE! speaks at the People&#8217;s March in San Francisco on Sunday. | David Sjostedt/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_4309-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175425"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Juanita MORE! speaks at the People's March in San Francisco on Sunday. | David Sjostedt/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_4309-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-175425"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Juanita MORE! speaks at the People&#8217;s March in San Francisco on Sunday. | David Sjostedt/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

People in the crowd held signs on issues ranging from abortion rights, women’s rights and gay and transgender liberation. Several speakers referenced the 540 laws currently proposed across the country that they said are aimed at restricting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

People in the crowd held signs on issues ranging from abortion rights, women’s rights and gay and transgender liberation. Several speakers referenced the 540 laws currently proposed across the country that they said are aimed at restricting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Zooey Zephyr, a transgender woman who is a member of Montana’s state senate, urged the crowd to continue to hold its local, state and federal politicians accountable on civil rights issues.

Zooey Zephyr, a transgender woman who is a member of Montana’s state senate, urged the crowd to continue to hold its local, state and federal politicians accountable on civil rights issues.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin participated in the march and said it reminded him of some of his earliest Pride parades.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin participated in the march and said it reminded him of some of his earliest Pride parades.

“It’s not a lot of corporate floats,” Peskin said. “It’s like the Pride Parade back in the old days.”

“It’s not a lot of corporate floats,” Peskin said. “It’s like the Pride Parade back in the old days.”

The crowd gathered on Fern Street for music performances and speeches at the march&#8217;s end.

The crowd gathered on Fern Street for music performances and speeches at the march's end.

The crowd gathered on Fern Street for music performances and speeches at the march&#8217;s end.

Co-organizer Alex U. Inn ended their speech with calls for the crowd to be forceful in their activism without violence, leading the group in “unite to fight” chants.

Co-organizer Alex U. Inn ended their speech with calls for the crowd to be forceful in their activism without violence, leading the group in “unite to fight” chants.

“It’s not OK for someone to tell us not to love the person we love,” Inn said. “We need to get angry without being violent. We need to do the work to stop them from intimidating us.”

“It’s not OK for someone to tell us not to love the person we love,” Inn said. “We need to get angry without being violent. We need to do the work to stop them from intimidating us.”

People’s March harks back to San Francisco Pride’s early days

Garrett Leahy

A day that began with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/08/daniel-lurie-inauguration-speech-san-francisco/">a new mayor&#8217;s promises</a> of a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous San Francisco ended with a deflating dose of reality. Walgreens will close a dozen locations around the city at the end of February, The Standard has learned.

In first address as mayor, Lurie promises safer, shinier city

A day that began with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/08/daniel-lurie-inauguration-speech-san-francisco/">a new mayor's promises</a> of a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous San Francisco ended with a deflating dose of reality. Walgreens will close a dozen locations around the city at the end of February, The Standard has learned.

A day that began with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/08/daniel-lurie-inauguration-speech-san-francisco/">a new mayor&#8217;s promises</a> of a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous San Francisco ended with a deflating dose of reality. Walgreens will close a dozen locations around the city at the end of February, The Standard has learned.

The closures include known theft hot spots and the Market Street store where a security guard fatally shot alleged shoplifter <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/walgreens-killing-heres-what-we-know-about-banko-browns-shooting-by-a-security-guard/">Banko Brown</a> in 2023.

Walgreens killing: Here’s what we know about Banko Brown’s shooting by a security guard

The closures include known theft hot spots and the Market Street store where a security guard fatally shot alleged shoplifter <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/walgreens-killing-heres-what-we-know-about-banko-browns-shooting-by-a-security-guard/">Banko Brown</a> in 2023.

A Walgreens spokesperson told The Standard via email that the closures are due to costs from &#8220;increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures&#8221; that hamper the company&#8217;s ability to pay for rent, staffing, and supply needs. The pharmacy chain pledged to work with the community to minimize &#8220;customer disruptions.&#8221;

A Walgreens spokesperson told The Standard via email that the closures are due to costs from "increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures" that hamper the company's ability to pay for rent, staffing, and supply needs. The pharmacy chain pledged to work with the community to minimize "customer disruptions."

A Walgreens spokesperson told The Standard via email that the closures are due to costs from &#8220;increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures&#8221; that hamper the company&#8217;s ability to pay for rent, staffing, and supply needs. The pharmacy chain pledged to work with the community to minimize &#8220;customer disruptions.&#8221;

&#8220;It is never an easy decision to close a store,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;We know that our stores are important to the communities that we serve, and therefore do everything possible to improve the store performance.&#8221;

"It is never an easy decision to close a store," the spokesperson said. "We know that our stores are important to the communities that we serve, and therefore do everything possible to improve the store performance."

&#8220;It is never an easy decision to close a store,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;We know that our stores are important to the communities that we serve, and therefore do everything possible to improve the store performance.&#8221;

Walgreens has 41 pharmacies around the city, according to the company&#8217;s website.

Walgreens has 41 pharmacies around the city, according to the company's website.

Walgreens has 41 pharmacies around the city, according to the company&#8217;s website.

Gang of kids stole $84K in goods from Walgreens stores in SF, cops say

sf-standard/related-post

The special hell that is getting your meds at Walgreens now

Downtown San Francisco will soon lose its fourth Walgreens in 2 years

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The locations that will close between Feb. 24 and Feb. 27 are:

The locations that will close between Feb. 24 and Feb. 27 are:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>1201 Taraval St.</li>



<li>3201 Divisadero St.</li>



<li>1363 Divisadero St.</li>



<li>825 Market St.</li>



<li>1750 Noriega St.</li>



<li>5280 Geary Blvd.</li>



<li>1524 Polk St.</li>



<li>1301 Franklin St.</li>



<li>1189 Potrero Ave.</li>



<li>135 Powell St.</li>



<li>1630 Ocean Ave.</li>



<li>5300 Third St.</li>
</ul>

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<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>1201 Taraval St.</li><li>3201 Divisadero St.</li><li>1363 Divisadero St.</li><li>825 Market St.</li><li>1750 Noriega St.</li><li>5280 Geary Blvd.</li><li>1524 Polk St.</li><li>1301 Franklin St.</li><li>1189 Potrero Ave.</li><li>135 Powell St.</li><li>1630 Ocean Ave.</li><li>5300 Third St.</li></ul>

While Walgreens did not say crime was a reason for the closures, some of the targeted locations have been plagued by shoplifting in recent years. The store at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/07/san-franciscos-most-shoplifted-walgreens-stores/">5280 Geary</a> had the highest theft rate of any Walgreens in the U.S., CNN reported in 2023. More recently, a gang of 12 thieves — seven of whom were minors — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/21/gang-of-kids-stole-84k-from-walgreens-san-francisco/">stole $84,000 in merchandise</a> from the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/21/gang-of-kids-stole-84k-from-walgreens-san-francisco/">1189 Potrero</a> location and other stores in a string of heists.

Hanging out at San Francisco’s most shoplifted Walgreens stores

While Walgreens did not say crime was a reason for the closures, some of the targeted locations have been plagued by shoplifting in recent years. The store at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/07/san-franciscos-most-shoplifted-walgreens-stores/">5280 Geary</a> had the highest theft rate of any Walgreens in the U.S., CNN reported in 2023. More recently, a gang of 12 thieves — seven of whom were minors — <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/21/gang-of-kids-stole-84k-from-walgreens-san-francisco/">stole $84,000 in merchandise</a> from the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/21/gang-of-kids-stole-84k-from-walgreens-san-francisco/">1189 Potrero</a> location and other stores in a string of heists.

The company said prescriptions would be transferred to &#8220;other, nearby Walgreens locations&#8221; and that patients would receive that information. The spokesperson said they couldn&#8217;t share the number of prescriptions currently filled at the affected stores.

The company said prescriptions would be transferred to "other, nearby Walgreens locations" and that patients would receive that information. The spokesperson said they couldn't share the number of prescriptions currently filled at the affected stores.

The company said prescriptions would be transferred to &#8220;other, nearby Walgreens locations&#8221; and that patients would receive that information. The spokesperson said they couldn&#8217;t share the number of prescriptions currently filled at the affected stores.

Pharmageddon: Walgreens to shutter 12 San Francisco stores

Liz Lindqwister

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins released video footage Monday of the fatal shooting of Banko Brown, reaffirming her decision not to charge the security guard who shot Brown at a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens in late April.&nbsp;

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins released video footage Monday of the fatal shooting of Banko Brown, reaffirming her decision not to charge the security guard who shot Brown at a Downtown San Francisco Walgreens in late April.&nbsp;

Community members gathered Monday afternoon at the Walgreens at Market and Fourth streets where Brown was fatally shot, rallying against Jenkins’ decision to not file charges.

Community members gathered Monday afternoon at the Walgreens at Market and Fourth streets where Brown was fatally shot, rallying against Jenkins’ decision to not file charges.

Activists, politicians and others who reviewed footage of Brown’s death say the video proves Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, the private security guard, did not act in self-defense—contrary to the district attorney’s decision.&nbsp;

Activists, politicians and others who reviewed footage of Brown’s death say the video proves Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, the private security guard, did not act in self-defense—contrary to the district attorney’s decision.&nbsp;

Protesters demanded that DA Jenkins press charges against Anthony and that security guards should not legally be allowed to carry firearms.

Protesters demanded that DA Jenkins press charges against Anthony and that security guards should not legally be allowed to carry firearms.

Banko Brown protesters march along Market Street on May 15, 2023. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7038-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160706"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Banko Brown protesters march along Market Street on Monday. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7038-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160706"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Banko Brown protesters march along Market Street on Monday. | Benjamin Fanjoy for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

&#8220;I was sad, but now I&#8217;m mad. I&#8217;m so mad,&#8221; said Tumani Drew, a friend of Brown&#8217;s who says she worked with him at a San Francisco women&#8217;s center. &#8220;He was on the way to the center the day he died. All we know is that Banko was leaving the store. Anthony had no right to take his life.&#8221;

"I was sad, but now I'm mad. I'm so mad," said Tumani Drew, a friend of Brown's who says she worked with him at a San Francisco women's center. "He was on the way to the center the day he died. All we know is that Banko was leaving the store. Anthony had no right to take his life."

&#8220;I was sad, but now I&#8217;m mad. I&#8217;m so mad,&#8221; said Tumani Drew, a friend of Brown&#8217;s who says she worked with him at a San Francisco women&#8217;s center. &#8220;He was on the way to the center the day he died. All we know is that Banko was leaving the store. Anthony had no right to take his life.&#8221;

Tory Sprague, who described herself as a sort of family member of Brown&#8217;s, called for DA Jenkins to resign, saying the tape proves Brown was no threat to the security guard. Protesters then began marching along Market Street.

Tory Sprague, who described herself as a sort of family member of Brown's, called for DA Jenkins to resign, saying the tape proves Brown was no threat to the security guard. Protesters then began marching along Market Street.

Tory Sprague, who described herself as a sort of family member of Brown&#8217;s, called for DA Jenkins to resign, saying the tape proves Brown was no threat to the security guard. Protesters then began marching along Market Street.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Image-from-iOS-3-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160688"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters gather at Walgreens in Downtown San Francisco, demanding DA Brooke Jenkins press charges against the security guard who shot Banko Brown. | Liz Lindqwister/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Image-from-iOS-3-1-2500x1875.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160688"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Protesters gather at Walgreens in Downtown San Francisco, demanding DA Brooke Jenkins press charges against the security guard who shot Banko Brown. | Liz Lindqwister/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“I think that the video confirms what the community expected all along, which is that this was a completely unjustified killing of our community member, Banko Brown,” said Honey Mahogany, San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee chair and a local transgender activist.&nbsp;

“I think that the video confirms what the community expected all along, which is that this was a completely unjustified killing of our community member, Banko Brown,” said Honey Mahogany, San Francisco's Democratic County Central Committee chair and a local transgender activist.&nbsp;

“I think that the video confirms what the community expected all along, which is that this was a completely unjustified killing of our community member, Banko Brown,” said Honey Mahogany, San Francisco&#8217;s Democratic County Central Committee chair and a local transgender activist.&nbsp;

Brown’s killing attracted intense local and national scrutiny, in part because the 24-year-old was shot after an alleged shoplifting altercation involving a few pieces of candy.&nbsp;

Brown’s killing attracted intense local and national scrutiny, in part because the 24-year-old was shot after an alleged shoplifting altercation involving a few pieces of candy.&nbsp;

WATCH: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-district-attorney-brooke-jenkins-video-deadly-shooting/">DA Releases Videos of Fatal Shooting of Banko Brown at Walgreens</a>

WATCH: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-district-attorney-brooke-jenkins-video-deadly-shooting/">DA Releases Videos of Fatal Shooting of Banko Brown at Walgreens</a>

But Brown was also a Black and transgender man as well as an unhoused San Franciscan involved in a <a href="https://youngwomenfree.org/urgent-gathering-to-demand-justice-for-banko-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local mutual-aid organization</a>. Though the security guard, Anthony, was also a Black man, some say Brown’s killing is nevertheless representative of the disproportionate violence faced by LGBTQ+ people and communities of color in America.

But Brown was also a Black and transgender man as well as an unhoused San Franciscan involved in a <a href="https://youngwomenfree.org/urgent-gathering-to-demand-justice-for-banko-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local mutual-aid organization</a>. Though the security guard, Anthony, was also a Black man, some say Brown’s killing is nevertheless representative of the disproportionate violence faced by LGBTQ+ people and communities of color in America.

A composite still image pulled from surveillance footage of moments leading up to the death of Banko Brown at Walgreens at 825 Market Street in San Francisco including security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, restraining Banko Brown, left, a confrontation between Brown and Anthony, center, and the shooting of Brown by Anthony. | Courtesy San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Brown-Sequence.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-160490"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A composite still image pulled from surveillance footage shows the moments leading up to the death of Banko Brown at Walgreens. | Courtesy San Francisco District Attorney’s Office</figcaption></figure>

Anthony was booked on suspicion of murder the day after the shooting but was later released. Jenkins noted that “the suspect believed he was in mortal danger and acted in self-defense.”&nbsp;

Anthony was booked on suspicion of murder the day after the shooting but was later released. Jenkins noted that “the suspect believed he was in mortal danger and acted in self-defense.”&nbsp;

Witnesses and Anthony provided different accounts of the altercation, but Jenkins defended her decision, cautioning the public and press not to use the released video as their sole source for understanding the fatal incident.&nbsp;

Witnesses and Anthony provided different accounts of the altercation, but Jenkins defended her decision, cautioning the public and press not to use the released video as their sole source for understanding the fatal incident.&nbsp;

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/what-witnesses-to-banko-browns-killing-saw-and-heard/">What Witnesses to Banko Brown’s Killing Saw and Heard</a>

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/what-witnesses-to-banko-browns-killing-saw-and-heard/">What Witnesses to Banko Brown’s Killing Saw and Heard</a>

John Burris, an attorney for the Brown family, said the video shows Anthony was the aggressor and there was no justification for him to use deadly force.

John Burris, an attorney for the Brown family, said the video shows Anthony was the aggressor and there was no justification for him to use deadly force.

&#8220;You don&#8217;t shoot people over a violation of petty theft,&#8221; Burris said. &#8220;You let them go. You don’t continue to fight them.&#8221;

"You don't shoot people over a violation of petty theft," Burris said. "You let them go. You don’t continue to fight them."

&#8220;You don&#8217;t shoot people over a violation of petty theft,&#8221; Burris said. &#8220;You let them go. You don’t continue to fight them.&#8221;

The Party for Socialism and Liberation hosted the protest at Walgreens Monday evening.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation hosted the protest at Walgreens Monday evening.

&#8220;DA Brooke Jenkins has dropped all charges against the killer of Banko Brown on bogus claims of self-defense,&#8221; an email from the protest organizers said. &#8220;We saw the video, that’s a lie! The footage she released shows a lethally armed Walgreens security guard shooting Banko as he was leaving the store.&#8221;

"DA Brooke Jenkins has dropped all charges against the killer of Banko Brown on bogus claims of self-defense," an email from the protest organizers said. "We saw the video, that’s a lie! The footage she released shows a lethally armed Walgreens security guard shooting Banko as he was leaving the store."

&#8220;DA Brooke Jenkins has dropped all charges against the killer of Banko Brown on bogus claims of self-defense,&#8221; an email from the protest organizers said. &#8220;We saw the video, that’s a lie! The footage she released shows a lethally armed Walgreens security guard shooting Banko as he was leaving the store.&#8221;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-leaders-react">Community Leaders React</h2>

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<h2 id="h-community-leaders-react">Community Leaders React</h2>

A growing number of San Francisco supervisors are calling for state and federal authorities to review the case revolving around Brown’s death, after Jenkins’ office released footage Monday.&nbsp;

A growing number of San Francisco supervisors are calling for state and federal authorities to review the case revolving around Brown’s death, after Jenkins’ office released footage Monday.&nbsp;

And local community members are worried that the district attorney’s decision will set a dangerous precedent for police officers’ and security guards’ use of force.&nbsp;

And local community members are worried that the district attorney’s decision will set a dangerous precedent for police officers’ and security guards’ use of force.&nbsp;

“If [the security guard] is allowed to go free after shooting someone for spitting at him, what kind of message does that send to the general public?” Mahogany said. “When we talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and the work that has happened over the past few years to seek justice and accountability, it seems like we’re taking a step backward.”&nbsp;

“If [the security guard] is allowed to go free after shooting someone for spitting at him, what kind of message does that send to the general public?” Mahogany said. “When we talk about the Black Lives Matter movement and the work that has happened over the past few years to seek justice and accountability, it seems like we’re taking a step backward.”&nbsp;

Lateefah Simon, District 7 director on BART board, is running for the Congressional seat of Barbara Lee, who is running for U.S. Senate. Simon has served on the BART board since 2016.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/BCN-20230228-LATEEFAHSIMON-01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-132054"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lateefah Simon | Kevin Meynell/Lateefah Simon for Congress via Bay City News</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/BCN-20230228-LATEEFAHSIMON-01-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-132054"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lateefah Simon | Kevin Meynell/Lateefah Simon for Congress via Bay City News</figcaption></figure>

Lateefah Simon, a BART Board director and candidate to replace Rep. Barbara Lee in Congress, knew Brown from her past work as the executive director of the Young Women&#8217;s Freedom Center, where Brown was a volunteer activist.

Lateefah Simon, a BART Board director and candidate to replace Rep. Barbara Lee in Congress, knew Brown from her past work as the executive director of the Young Women's Freedom Center, where Brown was a volunteer activist.

Lateefah Simon, a BART Board director and candidate to replace Rep. Barbara Lee in Congress, knew Brown from her past work as the executive director of the Young Women&#8217;s Freedom Center, where Brown was a volunteer activist.

Simon, who said she was “at a loss for words” after watching the video, says she is more concerned about the killing and its impacts on the community than the charging decision by Jenkins. Anthony, Simon said, still has to live with what happened for the rest of his life.

Simon, who said she was “at a loss for words” after watching the video, says she is more concerned about the killing and its impacts on the community than the charging decision by Jenkins. Anthony, Simon said, still has to live with what happened for the rest of his life.

&#8220;A charge or no charge, that’s not going to bring back Banko,&#8221; Simon said.

"A charge or no charge, that’s not going to bring back Banko," Simon said.

&#8220;A charge or no charge, that’s not going to bring back Banko,&#8221; Simon said.

Banko Brown shooting: Protesters decry DA’s decision not to prosecute guard

Matthew Kupfer

Emotions ran high Thursday at the funeral of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-shooting-guard-who-killed-banko-brown-gives-interview/">Banko Brown</a>, the transgender man killed last month by a Walgreens security guard in Downtown San Francisco, as a fight broke out among family members during a sermon decrying racism against Black people.

Emotions ran high Thursday at the funeral of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/walgreens-shooting-guard-who-killed-banko-brown-gives-interview/">Banko Brown</a>, the transgender man killed last month by a Walgreens security guard in Downtown San Francisco, as a fight broke out among family members during a sermon decrying racism against Black people.

Relatives shouted and shoved one another for over five minutes in the aisles and amid the pews at Third Baptist Church of San Francisco. Family members told The Standard the conflict was about who should be referred to as Brown’s mother, as his stepmother was also present.

Relatives shouted and shoved one another for over five minutes in the aisles and amid the pews at Third Baptist Church of San Francisco. Family members told The Standard the conflict was about who should be referred to as Brown’s mother, as his stepmother was also present.

Despite the interruption, the overarching theme of the day was justice for Brown.

Despite the interruption, the overarching theme of the day was justice for Brown.

Brown, 24, was shot dead by security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony after an altercation over alleged shoplifting on April 27.

Brown, 24, was shot dead by security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony after an altercation over alleged shoplifting on April 27.

The funeral came just a day before John Burris, a civil rights attorney representing Brown’s family, is scheduled to announce a wrongful death lawsuit against Walgreens, Anthony and his employer, Kingdom Group Protective Services.

The funeral came just a day before John Burris, a civil rights attorney representing Brown’s family, is scheduled to announce a wrongful death lawsuit against Walgreens, Anthony and his employer, Kingdom Group Protective Services.

An altercation occurs between people attending the funeral for Banko Brown at Third Baptist Church at 1399 McAllister St, in San Francisco on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banko-Brown-Funeral-.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-164276"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An altercation occurs between people attending the funeral for Banko Brown at Third Baptist Church. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“He pursued him. He beat him up. And then when [Brown] tried to leave, he shot him unlawfully,” Burris told The Standard outside the funeral. “It’s criminal. It should be prosecuted.”

“He pursued him. He beat him up. And then when [Brown] tried to leave, he shot him unlawfully,” Burris told The Standard outside the funeral. “It’s criminal. It should be prosecuted.”

Earlier in May, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced she would not be seeking murder charges against Anthony.

Earlier in May, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced she would not be seeking murder charges against Anthony.

Jenkins <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-district-attorney-brooke-jenkins-video-deadly-shooting/">released videos of the incident on May 15</a>, which spurred protests and calls for Anthony to be charged. City officials have since called on federal prosecutors or state Attorney General Rob Bonta to get involved. Bonta said Tuesday his office will review the case.

Jenkins <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/banko-brown-district-attorney-brooke-jenkins-video-deadly-shooting/">released videos of the incident on May 15</a>, which spurred protests and calls for Anthony to be charged. City officials have since called on federal prosecutors or state Attorney General Rob Bonta to get involved. Bonta said Tuesday his office will review the case.

“That DA—she’s out of line,” said Nicole Davis, Brown’s aunt. “We want justice! Security officers are supposed to observe and report, not put [their] hands on my nephew!”

“That DA—she’s out of line,” said Nicole Davis, Brown’s aunt. “We want justice! Security officers are supposed to observe and report, not put [their] hands on my nephew!”

Family, Supporters Show Up

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-supporters-show-up">Family, Supporters Show Up</h2>

<h2 id="h-family-supporters-show-up">Family, Supporters Show Up</h2>

As Brown’s family members and friends assembled Thursday morning in front of Third Baptist Church, the atmosphere alternated between somber and celebratory.&nbsp;

As Brown’s family members and friends assembled Thursday morning in front of Third Baptist Church, the atmosphere alternated between somber and celebratory.&nbsp;

People enthusiastically greeted one another and embraced. Some shared photos of Brown.

People enthusiastically greeted one another and embraced. Some shared photos of Brown.

Many were dressed in white and red clothing, adorned with messages commemorating Brown.

Many were dressed in white and red clothing, adorned with messages commemorating Brown.

Friends and family walk down the aisle during Banko Brown’s funeral at Third Baptist Church at 1399 McAllister St., in San Francisco on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. Following an altercation about shoplifting, Banko Brown was shot and killed by Walgreens security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony on April 27, 2023 in San Francisco. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BankoBrownFuneral05242023328.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-164502"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Friends and family walk down the aisle during Banko Brown’s funeral at Third Baptist Church on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

A group of six pallbearers dressed in white suits and red ties carried Brown’s white casket up the steps into the church.

A group of six pallbearers dressed in white suits and red ties carried Brown’s white casket up the steps into the church.

But shortly after the service began, when the Rev. Amos Brown referred to a woman in the crowd as Banko Brown’s mother, a fight erupted and the church descended into pandemonium.&nbsp;

But shortly after the service began, when the Rev. Amos Brown referred to a woman in the crowd as Banko Brown’s mother, a fight erupted and the church descended into pandemonium.&nbsp;

For over five minutes, mourners shouted and shoved one another as Brown—a noted civil rights activist who is not a relative of the slain man—struggled to regain control of the church.&nbsp;

For over five minutes, mourners shouted and shoved one another as Brown—a noted civil rights activist who is not a relative of the slain man—struggled to regain control of the church.&nbsp;

“Let’s be respectful for Banko,” he cried out. Some mourners responded with Brown’s deadname.

“Let’s be respectful for Banko,” he cried out. Some mourners responded with Brown’s deadname.

“We are here for Banko Brown,” a woman shouted from the stage. “If you guys love him, if you guys want to honor him, we need you to calm down.”

“We are here for Banko Brown,” a woman shouted from the stage. “If you guys love him, if you guys want to honor him, we need you to calm down.”

Police officers briefly entered the church, but then exited as the altercation ended.

Police officers briefly entered the church, but then exited as the altercation ended.

After the crowd calmed, Brown delivered a sermon invoking the novel Lord of the Flies, which tells the story of a group of British schoolboys who become stranded on a deserted island.

After the crowd calmed, Brown delivered a sermon invoking the novel Lord of the Flies, which tells the story of a group of British schoolboys who become stranded on a deserted island.

Kevinisha Henderson at the funeral of her son Banko Brown at Third Baptist Church at 1399 McAllister St., in San Francisco on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. Following an altercation about shoplifting, Banko Brown was shot and killed by Walgreens security guard Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony on April 27, 2023 in San Francisco. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BankoBrownFuneral05242023334-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-164508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kevinisha Henderson at the funeral of her son Banko Brown at Third Baptist Church on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BankoBrownFuneral05242023334-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-164508"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kevinisha Henderson at the funeral of her son Banko Brown at Third Baptist Church on Thursday, May 25th, 2023. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“What did they do?” Brown asked. “These privileged British boys devolved and went down to become savages and destroyed themselves.”

“What did they do?” Brown asked. “These privileged British boys devolved and went down to become savages and destroyed themselves.”

“This is what America has done to you,” he continued. “You are not ignorant. You are not immoral. [&#8230;] You were made in the image of God. But America has defiled you.”

“This is what America has done to you,” he continued. “You are not ignorant. You are not immoral. [...] You were made in the image of God. But America has defiled you.”

“This is what America has done to you,” he continued. “You are not ignorant. You are not immoral. [&#8230;] You were made in the image of God. But America has defiled you.”

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