Groups in Texas Hold Vigil, Protest in Death of Sandra Bland
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hundreds have gathered in Southeast Texas for a vigil and march in memory of Sandra Bland, the Illinois woman found dead in a jail days after her arrest during a traffic stop.
Houston TV station KPRC reports attendees met at a Prairie View church Sunday, then marched across Prairie View A&M University, which Bland attended.
Some carried signs that said "Justice for Sandra." Others called for a Justice Department investigation into her death, according to a report by Associated Press.
Authorities have said Bland hanged herself, a finding her family disputes.
Also Sunday, The Houston Chronicle reports dozens protested outside a residence in Katy, west of Houston, that they believed belongs to the state trooper who arrested Bland. Protesters criticized his actions, which were captured on dashcam video, and called for him to be fired and criminally charged.
The trooper is on administrative leave pending an investigation.