As the Perez family mourns their son and the Lindors continue their advocacy, a larger movement is gaining traction
Victor Perez’s story is now a symbol of the deep flaws in current policing practices, especially regarding those with disabilities. Katia Lindor’s bold stance is helping to bring these issues to light, forcing uncomfortable but necessary conversations.
For Victor, it’s too late. But for others like him, these efforts could mean the difference between life and death. It’s up to society, lawmakers, and law enforcement agencies to listen, learn, and act—so that no more families have to suffer such a devastating loss.
The death of Victor Perez is a painful reminder of how far we have to go in ensuring true equity and justice. But it also presents an opportunity — to listen, learn, and act.
Katia Lindor’s courage in speaking out is a beacon for others to do the same. As she so powerfully said, “When systems fail to [understand all people], we need to keep raising our voices.”
Also Read: Francisco Lindor Breaks Silence on Mets’ Future After Juan Soto’s $765M Arrival
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Francisco Lindor: Katia Lindor Speaks Out After Tragic Police Shooting
On Monday, Katia Lindor, wife of New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, took to social media to shine a light on a pressing and often overlooked issue — the lack of proper law enforcement training in recognizing and responding to individuals with disabilities.1
Her message came in response to the recent and deeply tragic police shooting of Victor Perez, a non-verbal autistic man, which occurred on the night of April 5th.
The incident has reignited national conversations about police conduct, especially when it involves people with developmental or physical disabilities.
In her Instagram story, Katia didn’t just offer condolences — she demanded change. Her words reflected a growing sentiment that systemic reform is long overdue.
Save the cerveza and get the W! #CoronaBucketSweeps #CoronaPartner https://t.co/h1T7Znc2F0
— Francisco Lindor (@Lindor12BC) February 12, 2024
The Tragic Death of Victor Perez
Victor Perez, whose life was tragically cut short in a police encounter, was a non-verbal autistic individual — someone for whom communication and behavior may differ significantly from what law enforcement typically expects.
Reports suggest that Victor’s inability to respond in a conventional manner may have been misinterpreted as defiance or aggression.
Victor’s death has left many in the disability advocacy community outraged and heartbroken.
For families of disabled individuals, it represents a terrifying reality — that a loved one might face deadly consequences simply for existing differently. Victor’s life mattered, and the circumstances surrounding his death highlight an urgent need for reform.
A Voice of Compassion and Urgency
Katia Lindor’s statement resonated across social media platforms for its empathy, clarity, and passion.
“The lack of proper training in recognizing and responding to disabilities—especially during moments of crisis—is a huge gap in policing,” she wrote. “It has led to too many tragic, preventable outcomes.”
In sharing her thoughts, Katia underscored a crucial point: these tragedies are not isolated incidents.
They are symptoms of a system that fails to consider the unique needs of disabled individuals in high-stress encounters with law enforcement.
Francisco Lindor: Understanding Disability
Not One-Size-Fits-All
Disabilities can be visible or invisible, cognitive or physical. Someone with epilepsy may experience a seizure that looks alarming but isn’t threatening.2
A person with cerebral palsy might move or speak differently. An autistic individual may become overwhelmed and nonverbal under stress.
These are not threats — they are manifestations of human diversity. Yet many officers, lacking proper training, may misread such behaviors as resistance, aggression, or intoxication.
This dangerous misunderstanding can escalate situations that should have been met with patience and compassion.
The Role of Police Training: Where It Falls Short
While some police departments have begun implementing Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, many still lack comprehensive programs that address disability-specific responses.
Even when such training exists, it is often optional, outdated, or insufficient in depth.
The fact that many officers receive only a few hours of mental health or disability training—compared to hundreds of hours spent on firearm use and tactical defense—reveals a troubling priority imbalance.
The lack of emphasis on communication and de-escalation is a glaring oversight with fatal consequences.
What True Training Should Look Like
Effective disability training for police officers should be more than a checklist. It needs to be immersive, continuous, and co-designed with experts and individuals from the disability community. Officers must learn to:
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Identify common behaviors and traits associated with specific disabilities.
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Use non-threatening body language and tone of voice.
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Rely on visual aids, hand gestures, or written communication if needed.
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Recognize when a situation requires medical or psychological assistance rather than police intervention.
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Practice empathy and patience as core components of public service.
Katia Lindor emphasized this in her statement: “It’s not just about policy — it’s about basic humanity. Protecting all people means understanding all people.”
The Power of Advocacy from Public Figures
When someone like Katia Lindor uses her platform to amplify critical issues, it sends a powerful message.
Her position allows her to reach a wider audience — including those who may not be closely connected to the disability community but can still influence change.
Katia’s message was heartfelt and personal. It wasn’t just a repost or a sound bite; it was a call to action.
Her voice joined a growing chorus of activists, families, and organizations demanding accountability, training reform, and a shift in policing culture.
Francisco Lindor: Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Lifting Up the Community
In addition to sharing her own thoughts, Katia also reposted a statement from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), an organization that advocates for the rights of autistic people.3
ASAN’s response to the incident was firm and clear: the system failed Victor Perez, and it continues to fail countless others.
Organizations like ASAN play a vital role in shaping policy and providing resources.
They also offer educational materials that can be used in police training programs. Amplifying their voices helps elevate the perspectives of those most affected.
A Broken System
For many families with loved ones who have disabilities, the fear of police interactions is constant and deeply rooted.
Parents of autistic children often carry cards explaining their child’s condition, just in case. Some even avoid public spaces out of concern that a meltdown or misunderstood behavior could lead to dangerous consequences.
This is not how society should function. The burden of understanding and accommodation should not fall solely on the disabled or their families.
Institutions — especially those entrusted with public safety — must rise to meet the needs of all citizens.
Policy vs. Humanity: Bridging the Gap
Katia’s statement drew a sharp distinction between policy and humanity — and how the latter must drive the former.
It’s not enough to have rules in place. They must be implemented with compassion, evaluated regularly, and rooted in respect for human dignity.
Reforming police response to disability isn’t about being soft on crime. It’s about being smart, fair, and just.
It’s about recognizing that different does not mean dangerous — and that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and protected.
Moving Forward: Action Steps for Change
In the wake of Victor Perez’s death, the following actions are not just necessary — they are urgent:
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Mandatory Disability Training: Require all police officers to undergo regular, evidence-based training on disabilities and neurodiversity.
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Community Involvement: Include disability advocates and individuals with lived experience in the development of training protocols.
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Accountability: Investigate and hold law enforcement accountable for preventable tragedies involving disabled individuals.
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Policy Reform: Implement laws that mandate de-escalation and alternative response units for mental health and disability crises.
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Public Awareness: Encourage more public figures to speak out, and support organizations that advocate for the rights of the disabled.
Also Read: Francisco Lindor’s Back-to-Back Homers Against Marlins: Wife Katia’s Heartfelt Reaction
Katia Lindor’s Bold Response
Katia Lindor did not hold back her emotions in a heartfelt social media post that has since gone viral.
With a background in community activism and advocacy, Katia has long been a voice for social justice. But this incident struck a personal chord. As a mother herself, she expressed deep sorrow and anger over Victor’s death.
Her words were sharp and unapologetic: “We cannot keep allowing officers to use deadly force on children, especially those who are differently-abled. Training must evolve. Compassion must lead. This is not policing—this is murder.”
The Broken System: Policing and Disabilities
Victor Perez’s case is far from isolated. Studies and reports have consistently shown that people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by police violence.
According to a 2016 study by the Ruderman Family Foundation, up to half of all people killed by law enforcement in the United States have a disability.
Despite this alarming statistic, most police departments lack the necessary training to properly engage with people who are autistic, non-verbal, or mentally impaired.
In crisis situations, traditional police tactics can escalate behaviors rooted in disability rather than aggression—often with deadly consequences.
What Really Happened That Night?
Details about what occurred on the night of April 5th remain murky, but what is clear is that within moments of arriving, officers made a life-altering decision.
The knife Victor held—likely a misunderstood coping mechanism or object of comfort—was seen as a deadly threat rather than a part of his complex behavioral needs.
Neighbors and community members have spoken out, stating that Victor was known in the neighborhood and had never posed a threat before.
Some have questioned why the officers did not use non-lethal force such as a Taser or attempt to speak with the boy’s family before taking action.
Francisco Lindor: The Role of Crisis Intervention Training
Many advocates, including Katia Lindor, are calling for mandatory Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for all law enforcement officers.
CIT programs are designed to help police recognize and respond to individuals with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities in a safer, more compassionate manner.
Katia emphasized that police should not be the first or only response in these situations. “We need specialized responders—people trained to understand autism, mental health crises, and disabilities. This shouldn’t fall on someone with a gun and no background in behavioral health.”
Victor’s story is part of a troubling pattern seen in communities across the country. From the deaths of Elijah McClain in Colorado to Daniel Prude in New York, many victims of police violence have shared a common thread: vulnerability due to disability, mental illness, or neurodivergence.
The Impact of Public Figures Speaking Out
Katia’s comments come at a crucial time when the country is still grappling with police reform, racial injustice, and the treatment of marginalized groups. She’s one of many voices now demanding that these reforms explicitly include protections for the disabled.
The influence of celebrities and their families, especially in sports and entertainment, cannot be underestimated in sparking conversations and changing narratives.
Katia Lindor’s message has been shared widely across social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForVictor trending in the days following her post.
Her husband, Francisco Lindor, has also voiced support for the cause, sharing Katia’s message and adding, “We have to protect all our children. Victor’s life mattered. His voice may have been silent, but ours won’t be.”
Francisco Lindor: Advertisement
Francisco Lindor teamed up with the Dairy Queen in a paid partnership and advertising on their 85th anniversary.
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Grief Turned Into Action
- Victor Perez’s family has started a foundation in his name to raise awareness about autism and cerebral palsy, while also pushing for policy change regarding police interactions with disabled individuals.
- Katia Lindor has reportedly pledged to support the foundation, both financially and through continued public advocacy.
- She’s also begun working with civil rights groups to lobby for legislative changes that would require police departments to implement specialized training and oversight measures.
- While Victor’s story ends in tragedy, the hope is that it becomes a catalyst for change. Katia Lindor’s impassioned stance serves as a reminder that silence in the face of injustice is complicity.
- She has urged others to educate themselves, speak out, and demand accountability from the institutions meant to protect everyone—not just a few.
- Her final words in the post capture the pain and urgency of the moment: “Victor was not a criminal. He was a child.
- A disabled child. If this can happen to him, it can happen to any of our children. The time for change is now.”
