Community Shocked by Arrest of Former Portsmouth Police Officer in Racist Attack
Strong Support for Victim Mamadou Dembele from Civil Rights Advocates
According to NHPR the arrest of former Portsmouth police officer Aaron Goodwin for assault and disorderly conduct in a racist attack has shocked the community. Mamadou Dembele the victim has strong support from community leaders and those fighting for civil rights. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Civil Rights Unit is taking this seriously showing how important the case is.
READ ALSO: Manchester NAACP President James McKim reflects on the chapter’s 60 years in NH
Concerns Raised Over Racism in Portsmouth Following Alleged Attack and Racist Language
The racist attack happened at a diner in downtown Portsmouth on Nov. 22, 2023 and has sparked worries about racism in the area. Dembele’s report of attack language used during the racist attack has made people demand justice. Goodwin’s past including being fired from the police in 2015 makes this case more complex raising questions about why he did it. Dembele’s lawyer is thankful for the arrest but says it’s just the start. Goodwin’s upcoming court date and the search for Kevin and Shannon Goodwin show how serious this is and that authorities want to solve it.