Friends and family of 17-year-old Anthoneil Williams II gathered in Downtown Austin to remember his life while demanding accountability.
AUSTIN, Texas — After Austin police said a 17-year-old who was fatally shot by officers may have been attempting “suicide by police,” friends and family gathered on Tuesday to remember his life while calling for accountability in the ongoing investigation.
Austin police identified the teen as Anthoneil Williams II, who was shot by officers on Friday morning in northeast Austin.
This story continues below.
According to police, Williams called 911 himself and reported seeing someone with a gun in a parking lot. When officers arrived at a neighborhood park on Baden Lane, they encountered Williams. Police said officers gave him commands, and when he reached toward his waistband, officers opened fire.
Investigators later found a water bottle tucked into Williams’ waistband.
On Monday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said she believes the incident was a case of “suicide by police.” The shooting remains under investigation.
Rally calls for justice
Supporters gathered near the Travis County Courthouse on Tuesday, chanting “No justice, no peace” and holding signs demanding accountability for Williams’ death.
One rally organizer said the demonstration was intended to raise awareness about the shooting.
“Actions create big responses and our response needs to be intentional. It needs to spread awareness to everybody else because not everyone understands this,” the organizer said.
Williams’ father attended the rally but declined to speak on camera. He shared family photos of his son with KVUE.
Friends remember Williams
Friends described Williams as someone who consistently put others before himself.
Ameer Alogaili, who said he had been friends with Williams since they were 11 years old, said the loss has devastated those who knew him.
“It breaks my heart. I’m speechless. Everybody’s broken. It’s like they took a part of me with them when they took him,” Alogaili said.
Alogaili recalled first meeting Williams as a child, saying Williams quickly welcomed him and other friends into his home.
“He paid for everybody’s snacks, took us home, and his dad cooked for us,” Alogaili said. “The bond from there just kept growing.”
Another friend, Santiago Aguirre, said Williams always prioritized others, even when he was struggling himself.
“We would try to check up on him as much as we can, but everybody’s got their own lives, everybody’s going through stuff. With him, it didn’t matter how he was feeling, he always put people first,” Aguirre said.
Investigation continues
The three officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure while the Austin Police Department investigates an officer-involved shooting.
The case also will be reviewed through the department’s investigative process.
Meanwhile, the Austin Justice Coalition is expected to address the Austin City Council on Thursday about Williams’ death and police funding as city leaders continue deliberating the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.