file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
FORT LEE, NJ – Nearly a year after the fatal police shooting of 24-year-old Victoria Lee, family, friends, and community members gathered in Fort Lee on July 19 to honor her memory and protest a grand jury’s decision not to charge the officer responsible.
Victoria Lee was fatally shot on July 28, 2024, inside her apartment at The Pinnacle on Main Street after police responded to a 911 call reporting she was in the midst of a mental health crisis. Her death has sparked outrage, grief, and ongoing calls for justice.
Grand Jury Declines to Charge Officer Tony Pickens Jr.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office announced on July 15, 2025, that the state grand jury decided not to file criminal charges against Fort Lee Police Officer Tony Pickens Jr.
Investigators reviewed:
✅ 911 calls
✅ Body camera & Taser footage
✅ Interviews
✅ Photos & ballistics reports
✅ Autopsy results
Despite this evidence, the grand jury determined Pickens should not face criminal prosecution.
Family & Community Devastated by Decision
At the emotional rally, held at Hudson Lights Park on the corner of Lemoine and Main Streets, Lee’s father, Kyung Yong Lee, expressed deep sorrow and frustration:
“For a year, we have hoped to see the officer, Tony Pickens Jr., stand before the law. This week, we were devastated to be told that this would not happen.”
He vowed that the family would pursue all possible actions to seek justice for his daughter.
Lee’s brother Chris and her mother Sukri were present the day of the shooting and witnessed her death, making the family’s pain all the more profound.
Victoria Lee Remembered as a Loving, Caring Friend
Rei Ukon, a college friend of Lee’s, spoke through tears about her kindness and authenticity:
“She was goofy, fun, caring, and authentic. I’ll never forget her last words to me: ‘I’ll see you next time.’”
After speaking, Ukon was embraced by Lee’s grieving mother, Sukri, in a powerful moment of solidarity and heartbreak.
AAPI New Jersey Calls for Police Accountability
Amber Reed, co-executive director of AAPI New Jersey, criticized Fort Lee’s handling of the tragedy and the lack of change in how first responders address mental health emergencies:
“Fort Lee seems no closer or more willing than ever to assure its community that it is safe to call 911 here. Community members in need of help should not be shot to death.”
Reed also pointed out that Officer Pickens remains on active duty and had received workers’ compensation while off-duty during the investigation.
Advocates Demand Better Mental Health Crisis Response
The rally highlighted the urgent need for mental health crisis intervention training for police officers and alternative emergency response models.
Community advocates insist that calling 911 for help shouldn’t result in death, especially for residents in crisis who need care, not violence.
What’s Next in the Fight for Justice?
With the first anniversary of Victoria Lee’s death approaching on July 28, 2025, supporters are planning additional actions to keep her story alive and demand systemic change:
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Continued rallies and community events
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Pressure on local leaders for mental health crisis response reforms
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Calls for statewide police accountability measures
The Lee family has pledged to continue their fight for justice, vowing never to let Victoria’s memory be forgotten.
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No reason to shoot her…Taser would have done the job.
were you there?
I’m sorry I was not there, but that girl was 100 pounds, even holding a small knife. You can’t defend yourself. You have to shoot her and kill her, there was three cops there. Exactly where was your riot shield. Number one fan number two yes, you cut off, tased her, she wasn’t holding a gun come on.