Demand justice now
The NYPD shot and tased Derell multiple times over alleged fare evasion on a crowded subway platform — injuring two bystanders and leaving one permanently brain dead. He has been held at Rikers Island for two years without trial.
On September 15, 2024, NYPD officers opened fire on a crowded subway platform at the Sutter Avenue L station — over a $2.90 fare. What followed was a mass shooting carried out by the very people sworn to protect the public.
Officers tased and shot Derell Mickles multiple times on suspicion of fare evasion. In their reckless use of force, they also struck two innocent bystanders — one now carries bullet fragments permanently lodged in their body, and the other sustained permanent traumatic brain damage.
The state points to a small knife that Derell was holding as justification — but at no point did he brandish it, threaten anyone with it, or make any attempt to use it against officers. After the fact, the NYPD released bodycam footage showing the knife in an effort to justify a shooting that never should have happened.
Derell was arraigned directly from his hospital bed and charged with 8 counts — including 5 felonies — among them aggravated assault of a police officer with a deadly weapon, and assault with intent to cause serious injury. He pleaded not guilty.
Because he cannot afford the $200,000 bail set against him, Derell has remained locked inside Rikers Island for nearly two years, cut off from legal resources, witnesses, and basic communication — unable to adequately fight his case. He still has a bullet lodged in his leg. He cannot walk without a cane. He continues to face serious medical complications from wounds the state inflicted.
Derell Mickles did not harm anyone. He is a man who was nearly killed by police, then charged to justify it, and is now held in pretrial detention because he is poor. The system is not broken — it is working exactly as designed, protecting those with power and punishing those without.
Derell deserves his freedom. Drop the charges. Free Derell Mickles.
Takes 2 minutes. Call the Kings County District Attorney's office and read the script below.
718-250-2340What to say
"Hi, my name is [your name] and I'm calling to demand that the Kings County DA drop all charges against Derell Mickles. He has been held at Rikers Island for two years awaiting trial for alleged fare evasion. The NYPD's use of force was excessive and unjustified. Drop the charges and free Derell Mickles now."
Send a pre-written email to the Kings County District Attorney's office. Just tap the button — personalize if you'd like.
DAAction@Brooklynda.orgEmail preview
"Dear District Attorney, I am writing to demand your office take immediate action in the case of Derell Mickles, a Brooklyn man who has been unjustly incarcerated at Rikers Island for nearly two years while awaiting trial — with a bullet still lodged in his leg…"
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