The same police department under fire for the 2019 death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain issued an apology on Monday (August 3) after officers were filmed holding a Black family at gunpoint.
"I have called (Gilliam's) family to apologize and to offer any help we can provide, especially for the children who may have been traumatized by yesterday's events," Interim Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson said of the incident, which occurred after officers mistook the family's car for one that had been stolen. "I have reached out to our victim advocates so we can offer age-appropriate therapy that the city will cover."
Cellphone video captured Brittney Gilliam, her 6-year-old daughter, 12-year-old sister and 14- and 17-year-old nieces screaming and crying while being detained — at least two were handcuffed — by the Aurora Police Department on Sunday (August 2).
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