Family and friends of Francis Gigliotti, a 43-year-old man who died following a confrontation with police outside a restaurant in Haverhill, Massachusetts, are seeking answers regarding the circumstances of his death. Video footage from the incident, which occurred on the evening of September 15, 2024, shows multiple officers restraining Gigliotti outside the Bradford Seafood Restaurant as he allegedly attempted to enter the establishment while behaving erratically.
According to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Gigliotti became unresponsive during the altercation. His fiancée, Michele Rooney, described a harrowing scene at the protest, stating, “When I got there and there were 7 or 8 cops on top of him and he’s yelling, ‘Help me, I can’t breathe.’ It’s something that will be etched in my brain forever.”
Protest and Accusations of Police Misconduct
In response to Gigliotti’s death, a protest march commenced from G.A.R. Park to the Haverhill Police Department, concluding at City Hall. Family members expressed their frustration and anger, accusing the police of mishandling the situation. They highlighted Gigliotti’s struggles with mental health, noting he had recently endured significant personal losses, including the deaths of his mother and brother, and had been involved in a serious accident where he was hit by a car.
Protester Robyn Krieger voiced concerns about the lack of a crisis intervention team during the incident, stating, “He needed support, and nobody was there to do that for him.” Meanwhile, Shawn Rooney, Gigliotti’s brother-in-law, called for accountability, suggesting that the officers should “lose their jobs and be indicted for murder.”
The family emphasized their role as advocates for Gigliotti, with his niece, Leti Torres, declaring, “We are his voice. Everybody here is his support, and they need to hear that we’re not letting this go silently.” Despite the tragic circumstances, the family reported that they had received no communication from city officials regarding Gigliotti’s death.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigation
In a statement on social media, Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett expressed her condolences to Gigliotti’s family. She stated that she is “closely monitoring the circumstances around his tragic death” and promised the community “complete transparency” as the investigation unfolds. Barrett urged residents to remain patient and calm as further information becomes available.
The District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating the incident, with a focus on the actions of the police involved. The family’s calls for justice reflect a growing concern over police encounters, particularly in cases involving individuals with mental health challenges.
As the community seeks answers, the events surrounding the death of Francis Gigliotti continue to resonate, highlighting the complexities and urgent need for effective crisis intervention strategies in policing.