Kenan Anderson, Black Lives Matter Co-Founder's Cousin, Dies After LAPD Officers Tased Him

Keenan Anderson, Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors' cousin, died hours after he was repeatedly tased by LAPD officers in the streets of Los Angeles.

Anderson was a 31-year-old teacher and father. He died at a Santa Monica hospital.

Los Angeles Police Department has released body camera footage of the incident that occurred on January 3, showing Anderson begging for help as LAPD officers hold him down, per BBC News.

Anderson shouted at one point that the LAPD officers were trying to "George Floyd" him. He was referring to the May 2020 murder of a black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota by Derek Chauvin, a former policeman now convicted for the murder of the Black man.

Anderson's cause of death was not yet officially determined.

LAPD officers who tased Anderson were called to the scene at around 3:00 p.m. in response to a reported traffic accident.

Anderson had been reported to commit a felony hit-and-run in a traffic collision, according to LAPD Chief Michel Moore.

Moore noted in a news conference that Anderson attempted to flee the scene by trying to "get into another person's car without their permission."

Keenan Anderson Death

Moore noted in a news conference that officers tried to use force to restrain Anderson. He added that officers were investigating whether Anderson was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that they have absolutely "no tolerance for excessive force," noting that they must "reduce" the use of force in general.

One officer, who has yet to be identified, saw Anderson running in the middle of the street and showing "erratic behavior."

The officer reportedly spoke to Anderson and requested backup for a DUI investigation, according to police.

Police body camera footage and bystander cellphone video showed Anderson complying with the officer's commands at first, then fleeing.

Moore said that Anderson was tased multiple times. The police chief added that there is no limit on the number of times an officer can use a stun gun under the department's policy. However, officers should generally avoid repeated or simultaneous activations to avoid injury.

Hours after the struggle, Moore said a "medical emergency" happened. It was then followed by Anderson's death at the hospital.

Moore claimed that a preliminary toxicology report from police found cocaine and cannabis in Anderson's system.

Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors

Cullors accused the LAPD of being responsible for Anderson's death during a traffic stop.

The Black Lives Matter co-founder took to Instagram to announce Anderson's death.

Cullors wrote on her Instagram account that her cousin deserved to be alive right now, citing Anderson's child deserving to be "raised by his father."

The BLM co-founder further noted that they will continue to "fight for you" and their loved ones affected by the state violence.

The LAPD said that Anderson was given medical attention by the Los Angeles Fire Department and was transported to the hospital.

Anderson went into cardiac arrest in the hospital and died.

READ MORE: Derek Chauvin Trial Moves Forward, Video of George Floyd's Final Moments to Be Played

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Written by: Mary Webber

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