Family of man killed by Jersey City police rallies for transparency, answers

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Dozens of family members, friends, and community activists rallied outside Jersey City City Hall Wednesday night, demanding justice for Drew Washington.

Washington was shot and killed inside his home by Jersey City Police on Aug. 27 amid a mental-health emergency. Washington’s family said they called for a crisis intervention team to help the 52-year-old, but none were available.

“We didn’t call for police,” said Doris ‘Toni’ Ervin, Drew’s aunt. “They called hired, trained gunman to come in, that were supposed to come in to give him help. And he was in a mental crisis. He wasn’t a criminal.”

In the days following Washington’s death, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said the use of police force was justified because Washington reportedly charged at officers with a knife.