On Thursday afternoon, families who have lost loved ones to police violence gathered outside the City Council chambers to express their pain and demand an apology from Council Member Latrisha Vetaw. This event was sparked by Vetaw’s comments during a budget hearing on Tuesday, where she used the phrase “say their names” while listing the names of police horses, an action that many found deeply disrespectful.
During the press conference, family members of victims who could not attend shared their feelings. Valerie Castile, mother of Philando Castile—who was shot by police in 2016—along with Ricky Cobb Sr., father of Ricky Cobb II, who was killed by a state trooper in 2023, voiced their concerns. Toshira Garraway, fiancé of Justin Teigen, who died under suspicious circumstances in 2009, also spoke out.
Garraway highlighted the need for families affected by police violence to be treated with dignity and respect, clarifying that they are not against law enforcement or animals but want their grief to be acknowledged. “I’m here today because I’m hurt. I couldn’t stay quiet about something that seemed to mock the families who have lost loved ones at the hands of law enforcement,” she said.
Ricky Cobb Sr. expressed his frustration with Vetaw’s comments, stating, “I am appalled by it. I haven’t been able to say my son’s name. To have names of animals called out is appalling and very painful.” He emphasized that the phrase “say their names,” which is often used to honor victims of police violence, should not be trivialized.
Valerie Castile echoed this sentiment, noting that the phrase is meant for human victims and should not be used in connection with police horses. “When we talk about ‘say their names,’ we’re talking about people who have lost their lives… These horses have not been used therapeutically; they have been used to control,” she remarked.
The families released a statement asking for a public apology from Council Member Vetaw and urged her to meet with them to better understand their experiences and the impact of her words. The statement called for a broader dialogue on addressing systemic issues within law enforcement and ensuring that Black lives are valued.
Support for the gathering came from community members, including Jeanelle Austin, director of Rise and Remember, as well as representatives from various police reform organizations. As the families continue their pursuit of justice and healing, the event highlighted the ongoing struggle against police violence and the need for accountability from elected official
