Civil rights lawsuit filed after trans woman fatally shot by police

A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the Los Angeles Police Department after officers fatally shot a transgender woman at a motel last month.

The family of Linda Becerra Moran says that she was suffering from a mental health crisis when she called 911 for help on Feb. 7. Body cam footage released by the LAPD shows Moran first holding a knife to her neck and eventually approaching officers, who opened fire. She succumbed to her wounds several weeks later.

The incident occurred inside a motel room in Pacoima, where Moran had reported being held against her will. The family’s attorney claims that Moran was in crisis and likely a victim of trafficking.

Community activists and family members gathered outside LAPD headquarters on Friday, demanding justice and changes in the way police respond to mental health crises.

The attorney representing the family insists that Moran did not threaten the officers.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, please seek immediate professional help by calling the nationwide mental health crisis hotline by dialing 9-8-8 on your phone.