Nellie Cooper’s son Dahmeek McDonald was shot by Troy police in 2017. The recent uprisings against police brutality have reminded Cooper of that happening to her son.

Cooper and her family joined Troy protesters Sunday in the fight for police accountability. McDonald’s cousin, Yarema Dixon, said for the protests to end, so does the systemic racism ongoing worldwide.

In 2017, Troy Officer Jarrod Iller opened fire on Dahmeek’s car while approaching him. McDonald was shot in his forearm and Schenectady County DA Robert Carney's office ruled the shooting was justified and charges were dropped.

“He was laying on the ground asking the officer, 'why did you shoot me?' " said Dixon.

McDonald's case is similar to that of Edson Thevenin and countless names that have experienced police brutality. Thevenin was shot and killed in 2016 by Troy Police Sergeant Randall French. French was cleared shortly after, but a report by the Troy Police Department’s Internal Affairs division questioned French’s account of the events and determined his actions “greatly contributed to the outcome." French died of COVID-19-related issues in April.

“When it changes, I can find peace,” said Troy resident Jahiel Donway.