the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fort Lee NJ, calls for justice for Victoria Lee continued to resonate on Wednesday morning as community members, along with several Korean American organizations, gathered in front of Fort Lee Borough Hall to support the Lee family. Victoria Lee, 26, was tragically shot and killed by police in her apartment this past July, a case that has sparked ongoing outrage and demands for accountability.
The rally, organized by the Human Rights Committee of the Korean American Association of Greater New York, brought together a diverse group of supporters. Members of the Korean American Parents Association, veterans of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, and the Lee family’s attorney, Henry Cho, stood alongside Victoria’s father, Kyung Lee, to push for justice.
Despite coming from different organizations, everyone in attendance shared a common mission: to ensure Victoria’s death would not be in vain.
“We are here today to make sure something positive comes from this tragedy,” said Terence Park, chairman of the Human Rights Committee. “We are urging the government at all levels to reform how law enforcement handles mental health crises, so that no more lives are lost in such a devastating manner.”
Demands for Transparency and Reform
In addition to advocating for changes in how police respond to mental health emergencies, the Lee family and their supporters are calling for a “speedy and transparent investigation” into Victoria’s death. The family has specifically requested the immediate release of the full autopsy report and all body camera footage, from the initial 911 call to the moments following the shooting.
The Attorney General’s Office released a partial statement and limited footage in mid-August but has not yet provided a full account. Attorney Henry Cho expressed frustration with the pace and thoroughness of the investigation. “The family feels that the investigation has not been as meticulous as it should be,” Cho said. “We’re asking for full transparency so the truth can come to light.”
A Father’s Grief
Kyung Lee, Victoria’s father, spoke through tears about the ongoing pain his family endures. Describing his daughter as a “calm, regular girl,” he pleaded for a swift resolution. “Losing a family member is heartbreaking,” Lee said. “But delaying justice only deepens the sorrow for those left behind.”
The shooting took place on July 28 at The Pinnacle apartment complex in Fort Lee, after a 911 call reported that Victoria was experiencing a mental health crisis. The Attorney General’s Office stated that the officers were informed she was holding a knife. When police arrived, they breached the apartment after being denied entry, leading to a fatal confrontation in which Officer Tony Pickens Jr. shot Lee.
The footage released shows the chaotic moments before the shooting. The Lee family disputes the police narrative, maintaining that Victoria was holding a plastic water jug, not a knife, at the time she was shot. They also claim they saw no paramedics on the scene after the shooting.
Continuing the Fight for Justice
Wednesday’s rally was the third organized in response to Victoria’s death, with earlier gatherings taking place on August 15 and September 5. Community members are determined to keep up the pressure for a thorough investigation and meaningful change in how mental health crises are handled by law enforcement.
“Victoria’s death should not be forgotten,” said Park. “We must continue to fight so that others will not suffer the same fate.”
As the investigation continues, the Lee family and their supporters remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, calling for accountability and reform to prevent further tragedies.
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