The Fight for Justice: A Mother's Quest After Police Kill Her Son

In a tragic case that has ignited discussions around police conduct and accountability, Kelly Ghaisar continues to advocate for justice following the death of her son, Bijan Ghaisar, who was shot by police in November 2017. Bijan, a 25-year-old unarmed man, was pursued by officers after a minor car accident, leading to a fatal encounter that has left lasting scars on his family and raised questions about systemic issues in U.S. law enforcement.

On November 17, 2017, Bijan Ghaisar was driving along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia when he was rear-ended by an Uber driver. Following the accident, Bijan fled the scene, prompting a 911 call that reported the incident. Two officers from the DC Park Police, Lucas Vinyard and Alejandro Amaya, began pursuing him. Eyewitness accounts and police recordings indicate that Bijan, overwhelmed by fear, attempted to evade the officers before being cornered. The situation escalated, culminating in the officers opening fire on Bijan’s vehicle, resulting in his death from multiple gunshot wounds.

Kelly Ghaisar, who emigrated from Iran as a child, reflects on how she raised Bijan and his sister, Nageen, to believe in the American dream. “We taught Bijan the police were there to protect him,” she recalls, expressing her deep shock and disbelief over the tragedy. In the wake of Bijan's death, charges against the officers were dismissed, and the family has since endured a prolonged battle for justice.

The Ghaisars' struggle for accountability has been characterized by a frustrating lack of transparency and support from the authorities. For over two years, they awaited an investigation by the FBI, which ultimately concluded without filing charges against the officers involved. Kelly asserts that the systemic barriers they faced reflect a broader issue of racial inequality and police impunity in America. “I can’t help but feel that there was racism involved,” she stated, highlighting the different treatment her son received as a person of Middle Eastern descent.

In 2023, after a lengthy civil suit, the family received a settlement of $5 million. However, the dismissal of criminal charges against the officers and their subsequent return to work further fueled Kelly’s resolve. “I will not stop fighting for Bijan, not while I still live and breathe,” she declared.

The Ghaisar family founded the Bijan Ghaisar Foundation to advocate against gun violence and police brutality, aiming to lobby for reforms such as the elimination of qualified immunity, which shields police from accountability for their actions. Kelly has become a prominent voice in this fight, determined to honor her son's memory by pushing for systemic changes that would prevent similar tragedies.

As she continues to navigate her grief, Kelly emphasizes the importance of resilience and activism, reflecting on the profound impact Bijan’s life and death have had on her. “I’ve found a fire and a strength within me that I never thought was there,” she says, channeling her energy into advocacy for justice. The Ghaisars' story is not just one of loss but also a testament to the enduring spirit of a mother fighting for change in a system she believed would protect her family.