Remembering Tamir Rice Through Photos of the Protests That Honored His Death
On November 22, 2014, Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old from Cleveland, was fatally shot by police officer Timothy Loehmann. The shooting occurred when police received a call from someone who claimed to have seen a "guy with a pistol." The caller had noted to police that the gun was "probably fake" and that the person appeared to be "probably a juvenile."
Two officers, Frank Garmback and Loehmann, responded to the call. According to the New York Times, prior to their arrival on the scene, police responding had not been told by dispatch of the caller's details regarding Rice's age or that his gun was "probably fake." Lohemann approached Rice and, according to The Guardian, after “one-and-a-half to two seconds" of interaction, he shot and killed the 12-year-old boy. As the Times reported, police later learned that Rice was carrying an airsoft gun — a toy replica of a real firearm.
No one has faced charges for Rice's death. An Ohio grand jury did not indict the officer following a December 2015 trial, as reported by CNN. At the time, Ohio prosecutor Tim McGinty said the officers had believed they faced a "reasonable" threat when responding to the call. Loehmann was later fired in 2015, after it was discovered that he had violated a rule when applying to be a cadet.
Tamir would have turned 16 on June 25, 2018, and ever since his death, social media and protestors have commemorated his life. Here are 15 of the most powerful images from protests and memorial services that have been held in Tamir's honor since his killing by police.
JORDAN GONZALEZ1/15Two days after his death on November 22, 2014, residents of Cleveland turned Cudell Commons Park, the site of Tamir's death, into a makeshift memorial. This image, captured on November 24, showed some of the stuffed animals, candles, and flowers left in honor of the 12-year-old.
JORDAN GONZALEZ2/15Following Tamir's death, protests erupted across Cleveland. This photograph was taken on November 25, and shows police arresting a demonstrator.
Angelo Merendino3/15Protests and calls for justice continued around the city of Cleveland on November 26, 2014, in front of one of Cleveland's most recognizable landmarks.
Angelo Merendino4/15In this image from December 4, 2014, protestors blocked traffic on a busy Cleveland street and carried signs that spelled out Black Lives Matter. Tamir's funeral was held a day earlier, on December 3.
JIM WATSON5/15Samaria Rice, Tamir's mother, joined the Justice for All rally held in Washington, D.C., on December 13, 2014. During her appearance, she addressed the crowd, saying, "We will get justice for our children, believe that."
Angelo Merendino6/15Protestors demanded "Justice for Tamir Rice" during a December 20, 2014, rally held in Cleveland. According to Getty Images, the protest held that day shut down several streets. Protestors from Ferguson, Missouri, joined the 10-hour day of protests.
Angelo Merendino7/15On a second day of December 2014 protests held in Cleveland, these participants were among those blocking police cruisers. This shot from December 21 shows protestors facing off with police.
Ricky Rhodes8/15Protestors gathered at Cudell Recreation Center on May 23, 2015, after Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo was acquitted of manslaughter charges in a 2012 car chase that resulted in the deaths of two black people. The local Black Lives Matter chapter has remained critical of Cleveland police in the years after Tamir's killing.
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Pacific Press9/15Protests across the country were held on the one-year anniversary (November 22, 2015) of Tamir's death. This protest picture was held in New York City, and featured a child march that had young participants wearing signs that read "I am Tamir Rice."
Angelo Merendino10/15After an Ohio grand jury decided not to indict Loehmann in the death of Tamir, demonstrators took to the streets of Cleveland to protest. This picture, taken on December 29, 2015, shows marchers walking on the city's Ontario Street.
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Angelo Merendino11/15Protests held on December 29, 2015, continued into the evening, and demonstrators blocked traffic near Quicken Loans Arena, where the NBA team the Cleveland Cavaliers plays home games.
NurPhoto12/15Protestors in Columbus, Ohio, held a march on December 30, 2015, to show their support for Cleveland marchers. These demonstrators gathered outside the state's Capitol building.
Boston Globe13/15During a Black Lives Matter protest in Boston on January 1, 2016, a protestor identified by Getty Images as Demetrius Burns performed an interpretative dance in the role of Tamir.
Pacific Press14/15Following Loehmann's acquittal, an Ohio grand jury decided not to indict the officer in the fatal shooting. Protestors once again took to the streets of Cleveland on March 30, 2016, in response.
Spencer Platt15/15As Cleveland welcomed the Republican National Convention to its city on July 19, 2016, thousands of protestors gathered. Among them was this man, wearing a shirt that showed his support for Tamir.
