Protesters March In Indianapolis To Push For Remaining Demands

Just hours after Indianapolis police released the name of the officer who shot and killed Dreasjon "Sean" Reed, about 200 protesters marched downtown calling for additional demands to be met.

Earlier Wednesday, IMPD identfied four-year veteran Dejoure Mercer as the officer who shot Reed on May 6. Another officer, Steven Scott was disciplined after he was captured on video following the shooting making an apparent reference to a closed-casket funeral. 

Releasing the identity of the officer was one of several demands that have been made by protesters during nearly two weeks of demontrations and marches across Indianapolis. Their demand for city and police officials to review and rewrite IMPD's use of force policy has also been met. A draft of an updated policy is under review.

On Monument Circle Wednesday night protest organizers from Indy 10 Black Lives Matter highlighted the group's remaining demands, including transparency in the investigation of Reed's death, firing Mercer and holding him "accountable for murder."

Leaving the Circle- the march has started. pic.twitter.com/OaB7LJTm12

— Darian Benson (@HelloImDarian) June 10, 2020

Indy 10 Black Lives Matter's Erika Haskins says the releasing of the officer's name was a small victory, but the group will continue to apply pressure. 

"We had IMPD, Chief Taylor, release the names," Haskins says. "But you know what, that's small to a giant. We need still them to hold the officer accountable for murder and we need them to tell the truth about Dreasjon Reed."

From the circle the group marched to Massachusetts Avenue. As the protesters marched past the restaurant patios in the area, some diners joined in the chants, raised a fist or took a knee in solidarity. The group stopped and formed a circle at the intersection of Mass Ave. and Alabama Street, parting only to let an ambulance through, as they made their demands known. When the march paused at New Jersey Street, organizers talked about racial disparities in mental health treatment, homelessness and education and the protesters took a knee to observe a moment of silence.

A knee and a moment of silence. Pictured: Indy10 Black Lives Matter’s Erika Haskins. pic.twitter.com/RiyfXfimsx

— Darian Benson (@HelloImDarian) June 10, 2020

As the march continued, organizers recognized Pride month, encouraged protesters to register to vote, and spoke of the need to end police brutality across the country. 

There was one tense moment as protesters encountered a woman who threatened to call the police because protesters were blocking traffic. But, the march continued without incident.

The group has left the car and continuing to march. The car has left now as well. pic.twitter.com/QZ0n0NQFSl

— Darian Benson (@HelloImDarian) June 10, 2020

Along the way back to Monument Circle, protest organizers occasionally stopped the march and addressed those on the patios of nearby establishments. They shared the group's demands with diners. Organizer Zion Smith urged white resturant patrons to support the protests and gave examples of how to get involved.

Jae starts the chant of demands. pic.twitter.com/2pypyifzRW

— Darian Benson (@HelloImDarian) June 11, 2020

“If you want to be on the side of justice, do your part," Smith says. "That’s all we ask, that’s all we want.”

The protesters returned to Monument Circle just before 9 p.m. The evening concluded with the group taking a knee and observing a moment of silence for Reed and McHale Rose, who was also shot and killed by Indianapolis police on May 6.

“Your voice is loud. And that doesn’t mean volume, that means impact. We have so much more to do. We have made strides in a week, but we are not done.” Zion Smith.

“I’ve got your back” chants now. pic.twitter.com/Llum198VLS

— Darian Benson (@HelloImDarian) June 11, 2020

WFYI's Doug Jaggers contributed to this report.