Protesters march in support of beating victim

Hundreds rallied Saturday morning demanding change and calling for action by Fullerton officials.  Starting at the The Fullerton Transportation Center, protesters filled Commonwealth Avenue carrying home made signs and shouting all the way to the Fullerton Police Department.

Protesters demanded justice for Kelly Thomas, a homeless man who was tasered several times and brutally beaten by six policemen after he was suspected of breaking into cars and resisting arrest.

Saturday's march and rally was organized by the ANSWER Coalition who aim to stop police violence.

Thomas, who had a history of mental illness, was unarmed at the time of the reported attack. He died five days later after he was taken off life support by his father.

Thomas' death is currently under investigation by the Fullerton Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney's office, the FBI and Michael Gennaco, and a former federal prosecutor who was hired last week by the Fullerton City Council.

All of the policemen involved are currently on paid suspension. Fullerton Police Chief Mike Sellers is on medical leave amidst  increased pressure for him to step down.

Videos of the beating have surfaced on YouTube and other media sites. However, the surveillance video from the bus transportation's cameras and the names of the six officers have not yet been released to the public.

Protests and rallies calling for greater transparency well as the resignation of city officials have continued since since late July. Threats of cyber attacks on city websites, similar to the ones that shut down the Bay Area transportation agency's website,  have continued to grow.  

The attorney defending the officers denies any excessive force was used by his clients and that Thomas was combative.

The ongoing investigation into the beating has caused major tension between local police officials and residents. Several community members attended the city council meeting last Tuesday to express concerns of the lack of attention that the city council was giving the case. Ron Thomas, Kelly's father who intends to sue the City of Fullerton, turned down a $900,000 settlement offer from the city.

Many at the protest said that that the rallies and marches will continue until further action is done by the city council and police department.