Family of Jersey City man killed by police officer demands justice
3 minute readPublished: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6:56 am
Family Demands Justice After Grand Jury Clears Jersey City Officer in Fatal Shooting
The family of Andrew Washington, a Jersey City man killed by police in 2023, is demanding justice after a grand jury declined to indict the officer involved in his death. The family, along with social justice advocates, gathered to express their disappointment and frustration with the decision, viewing it as another example of systemic racism within the criminal justice system.
Washington, who suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, was experiencing a mental health crisis when his family called for assistance. Instead of mental health professionals, law enforcement responded, leading to a two-hour standoff. Officer Stephen Gigante shot and killed Washington after he emerged from his home holding a knife. The family claims the situation could have been handled differently if mental health professionals had been present.
The grand jury's decision not to indict Officer Gigante has reignited the family's fight for justice. They have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Jersey City Police Department, Jersey City Medical Center, and Hudson County, alleging violations of Washington's constitutional rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The family now expects to receive previously withheld evidence, including body camera footage.
The case has also highlighted broader issues surrounding mental health crisis response, particularly in communities of color. Advocates point to the lack of funding for community-led mental health programs, despite the passage of the Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act in January 2024. This legislation aims to establish community-led crisis response programs, but promised funding has yet to be fully distributed.
Jersey City officials, including Councilman Frank Gilmore, have expressed concern over the handling of the case and the city's commitment to mental health resources. The Attorney General's Office maintains that a thorough investigation was conducted and that the city is committed to improving services while ensuring public safety.
BNN's Perspective: While the family's pain is understandable, the grand jury's decision reflects the complexities of these situations. It's crucial to balance the need for accountability with the challenges faced by law enforcement in high-pressure scenarios. The focus should be on improving mental health crisis response and ensuring that community-led programs receive adequate funding to prevent future tragedies.
Keywords: Jersey City, police shooting, Andrew Washington, mental health crisis, grand jury, officer-involved shooting, wrongful death lawsuit, Stephen Gigante, Seabrooks-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act, mental health funding, criminal justice, racism, police brutality, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, community-led crisis response, Jersey City Police Department, Hudson County, Americans with Disabilities Act, police misconduct, mental health resources.