Family members, supporters hold vigil for man killed during 2020 protests in Las Vegas
Summary
Friends, family and supporters of Jorge Gomez gathered at a candlelight vigil outside the Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse in Las Vegas on 4 November 2025 to remember Gomez, who was shot and killed by Metropolitan Police officers on 1 June 2020 during Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
The vigil followed a federal civil jury verdict that awarded $6.5 million to Gomez’s parents and estate. The jury found Officer Ryan Fryman liable for excessive force and battery ($5 million) and Detective John Squeo liable for violating Gomez’s First Amendment rights ($1.5 million). Three other officers who fired shots were not held liable by the jury.
Speeches, music and poetry marked the gathering; Gomez’s mother, Jeanne Llera, spoke of mixed emotions and vowed the family would continue seeking accountability. Attendees chalked messages on the pavement and called for an end to police violence. The Clark County DA previously declined to prosecute the officers in 2021.
Key Points
- About 30 people gathered for a vigil near the courthouse close to where Gomez was shot on 1 June 2020.
- A federal jury awarded $6.5 million to Gomez’s parents and estate after a civil trial.
- Officer Ryan Fryman was found liable for excessive force and battery and assigned $5 million in damages.
- Detective John Squeo was found liable for violating Gomez’s First Amendment rights and assigned $1.5 million.
- Three other officers who fired shots were not held liable by the civil jury; jurors declined to award punitive damages.
- Clark County prosecutors chose not to file criminal charges in 2021; the civil award is expected to be paid by Metro and possibly insurance, not the officers personally.
- The family said awarded funds will support a nonprofit in Gomez’s name, focusing on animal rights and homeless outreach.
Author style
Punchy: This is a local civil-rights and police-accountability story with a major civil verdict attached—it matters. Read the details if you follow policing, protests or civil litigation in the US; the jury’s split verdict and the family’s reaction are the key angles.
Why should I read this?
Look, we read the court reporting so you don’t have to. This article ties together the vigil, the family’s grief and the jury verdict that followed. If you care about police accountability, protest history or how civil suits resolve where prosecutors didn’t bring charges, it’s worth a quick read.
