Protesters are gathering in Richmond and Charlottesville today as the outrage continues over the death of Xzavier Hill, an 18-year-old Black man who was killed by Virginia State Police on January 9, 2020.

Hill, a resident of Charlottesville, was allegedly speeding down I-64 early in the morning when a police radar registered his speed at 95 mph in a 65 mph zone. According to Virginia State Police, after two officers began to pursue the car, Hill’s speed exceeded 120 mph. Police claim that Hill attempted to make a U-turn, but became stuck in the median.

When one of the two Virginia State Policy officers approached the car, Hill allegedly brandished a gun, and the two officers shot him, killing him on the spot.

Hill’s mother, LaToya Benton, who saw the dashcam footage herself, has disputed what the police have claimed. Benton said that her son was speeding, and he likely increased the speed during the pursuit because he was scared and wanted to get to a safer location. Benton also denies that her son had a firearm, saying that it was not present in the footage she was shown.

After an entire month, the Virginia State Police are still investigating the incident. As of publication, the Virginia State Police have refused to release the dashcam video, as the officer involved was not wearing a body camera. Virginia State Police have also refused to release the name of the officer who shot Hill.

Hill’s killing has raised many questions in his community and in the Commonwealth of Virginia at-large, with many many are asking why Virginia state troopers have yet to be equipped with body-worn cameras which are increasingly becoming the standard for police forces across the Commonwealth and the country.

“I’m so sick of these cops, when they mess up saying ‘oh he had a gun’,” Benton told WRIC. “No, you killed my son and you need to go to jail. Release their names.”

State Senator Bill DeSteph, Jr. (R-8), has introduced legislation to ensure that all state troopers have body cameras, stating that he believes they help tell the story of what happened.

Residents of Virginia are still fuming over what many see as another act of senseless violence from police. Several protests have already been held in order to demand the release of the state trooper’s name and the dashcam footage to the public. 

University of Virginia Students and other protesters are gathering at O-Hill Field (525 McCormick Rd.) at 3:30 p.m. in Charlottesville on Tuesday in order to demand Justice for Xzavier Hill. In Richmond, protesters are gathering at 1 p.m. at 1647 Four Rings Dr.

Protesters are encouraging people to call Goochland Commonwealth Attorney Michael Caudill and demand that he release the dashcam footage. Caudill’s office can be reached at 804-556-5345. 

Those who are interested in getting involved further can sign the online petition to release the dashcam footage publicly.

The Virginia State Police have yet to release an update on their investigation.