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Community activist says young people are planning rallies in Portsmouth

Posted at 11:36 PM, Apr 30, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-30 23:36:11-04

Portsmouth, Va. - A community activist says groups of young people are organizing and mobilizing after police recently killed two men in the city.

Michael Muhammad says he's helping to advise the young people, but wouldn't say exactly how or detail the number of people involved.

"They are looking for change. They want to see that the culture of the police department that has been oppressive and repressive changes, and we're looking to help them bring that about," Muhammad said.

Muhammad wears a t-shirt that reads "Charge Steven Rankin with murder." Rankin is the police officer who shot and killed William Chapman,18, outside of the Walmart on Frederick Boulevard last week, according to two sources.

Muhammad didn't answer how he and the young people would prevent any of the rallies from getting out of control.

"You can ask it 500 different ways and I'm going to tell you our plight, our call, our demand, our rallying cry is justice," he said before ending the interview.

Related: 

Portsmouth Police Chief addresses investigation into recent police shootings

Signs demand murder charges against officer who shot teen in Walmart parking lot