For the past six weeks, Jennifer Brooks has spent every moment of every day grieving the death of her son, Hudson.

“It’s been really devastating for us all,” she said. “He just turned 20 — he had his whole life in front of him. He was supposed to be a father (one day). I was supposed to see his beautiful children and grandchildren, but this will not happen.”

Hudson Brooks died on July 18 after he was shot by police outside an RCMP community policing office in South Surrey. His mom wants answers about what happened and justice for her son.

“He was dedicated to his friends and family, he was loving, happy,” she said. “He had his whole life ahead of him.”

According to the police, a “call for service” was received shortly before 2:30 a.m. regarding a man who was suicidal, screaming and in significant distress in the 1800-block 152nd Street. Officers who were in the detachment responded, located Hudson Brooks, a struggle ensued and shots were fired.

Hudson was shot multiple times and did not survive. An officer sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was treated and released from hospital the same day.

The only physical evidence recovered from the scene was police-issued equipment.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is investigating the shooting.

According to the IIO, the focus of the investigation — which is in its early stages — is on the actions of the police officers when they received the call for service and when they came into contact with Hudson.

A spokesman for the B.C. RCMP said the “subject officer” on the file is currently on administrative duties. He could not confirm if the subject officer was the one who was injured.

The last time Brooks saw her son was the afternoon before he died. He was heading to the beach to hang out with friends, which he did most weekends, and was in good spirits.

Brooks said officials have told her very little about what happened that night, and most of her information comes from witnesses who have approached her.

She said her son was on his way home from the beach when the incident happened, and that he was unarmed and screaming for help when he was shot. Brooks vehemently disputes the claim that her son was suicidal, calling it “completely untrue” and “a false accusation.”

“My son loved life,” she said. “He lived life to the fullest, he was happy.”

She wants to know how the situation escalated to the point where lethal force was used, and why pepper spray or a Taser were not used instead.

“There are a lot of well-trained RCMP officers — where were they that night?” she asked.

Even more than answers, Brooks wants justice for her son.

She has taken to Facebook to keep his memory alive and rally support. She said everyone has been extremely supportive and encouraging.

His friends have made sweatshirts, stickers and bracelets with the slogan “#JusticeForHudson” and a march will take place later this month to honour Hudson and others who have died during interactions with police.

“This is my campaign for justice for Hudson. I will never stop nor rest until I receive justice, and justice means I want these officers charged,” she said. “They cannot just shoot a young man and just walk away, badge or no badge.”

A march will take place at 4 p.m. on Sept. 26. It will begin at 152nd Street and 16th Avenue and continue down 152nd to approximately 24th Avenue. After, marchers will gather at the memorial in front of the South Surrey RCMP office.

jensaltman@theprovince.com

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