Keith Porter’s family were seeking justice for his death. The 43-year-old father was fatally shot on New Year’s Eve while working security at a bar by an off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The encounter exploded on the street outside of Porter’s apartment building in Northridge, Los Angeles. It generated outrage among his friends and family as well as advocates in the community who are calling for justice and an end to systematic violence against marginalized communities.
Keith Porter was a loving father to two daughters, 10 and 20 years of age. His colorful personality and dedication to his family were hallmarks of his character. Loved ones described him as a “gentle spirit,” smart, funny “girl dad” and a “torchbearer” for others. They remember his compassion, pointing to his experience as a foster parent of teenage boys. We know that his untimely passing has created a huge emptiness in the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to be close to him.
Friends remember Porter as a powerhouse—a magnetic presence, an effervescent spirit who lit up the room and uplifted everyone around him. PORTER’S BEST FRIEND Adrian Metoyer III has been Porter’s best friend since their teenage years. He characterizes Porter as “hilarious, a joker, and the life of the party.” Metoyer, like Carpenter, was keen to emphasize Porter’s unmatched commitment to serving others. He was my second in command and my go-to guy for getting things cared for that needed care. Porter was always there for a helping hand.
The Incident
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Porter was discharging firearms into the air. What happened next remains murky, but at some point during the encounter, an off-duty ICE officer shot him. As federal and intrastate civil rights investigations move forward, community members are determinedly raising their voices to right this wrong and educate for change.
Porter’s cousin, Jsané Tyler, expressed her outrage over the violent encounter. He insisted on social media, “When are we going to bring charges on this murderer? When is he going to be named and arrested?” Tyler’s grief underscores an important trend. Community activists have been just as concerned that law enforcement officers are rarely held accountable after killing someone in the line of duty.
Local activist Eunisses Hernandez highlighted the need for greater awareness of the individuals operating in neighborhoods and the potential danger they pose. She continued, “What we want is to be able to understand who these individuals are in our communities that are taking people’s lives. That’s why this federal agent should not still be taking part in raids like the ones that have occurred in my district.” Was Hernandez agreeing to this character assassination of Porter? In addition, he argued that the community shouldn’t be demonizing Porter for the tragic events that culminated in his death.
Community Response
Community members have led numerous vigils and marches to protest and memorialize Porter’s death. They are calling for accountability after the shooting. Activists from Black Lives Matter LA joined with Porter’s family. United, they called for the arrest and prosecution of the officer responsible. They’ve been vocal about their frustration towards what they view as a lack of accountability from law enforcement agencies.
Wanda Turner, Porter’s mother, told of her priceless routine each day. From then on, every morning, Porter would tell us she’d call her to say I love you. Her heartfelt remarks reflect the deep emotional impact of his loss: “I’m heartbroken and I know that ache will never go away.” Turner joined her family in demanding justice, saying “the officer should just turn himself in and just do what’s right. I want him charged. Even if he believed Keith was doing something illegal, it was not his prerogative to pull out a gun and kill him on the spot.
As protests continue, community leaders emphasize that this incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather part of a larger systemic issue regarding the treatment of marginalized communities by law enforcement.
Legacy and Remembrance
Keith Porter’s legacy extends beyond his tragic death. He leaves behind two daughters who he adored and raised with love. Keith Porter Jr. is resolved to make sure his father’s memory will stay alive. Myrtle is dedicated to making home as caring and joyful a place possible for her sisters. I got two precious little daughters and I’m going to be raising them the way that a man is supposed to.
It was time spent building my resilience that was unbreakable, like diamonds, through what was given to me—to ultimately make a difference… be the change. He said, “I pray, I talk to God and my family. Those are the only two things I really have, but I feel wealthy. It’s difficult to shatter me because I have a heart of gold and was raised in a family full of love.
While the family struggles to heal from their loss, they are committed to seeing justice served for Keith Porter. The spirit of the community comes together and stands in support. They are hell bent on making sure that their voices are not drowned out and that accountability is required.