Protesters call for justice for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillén

Published 7:08 pm Saturday, July 11, 2020

Protesters across Texas came out on Saturday to demand justice for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillén after her remains were found last month. Dozens marched down South Broadway Avenue in downtown Tyler with signs and banners honoring the fallen soldier.

Guillén, 20, a U.S. Army SPC, had been missing from the Killeen area base since April 22. Fort Hood officials now say Spec. Aaron Robinson killed Guillén before fatally shooting himself on July 1, according to the Washington Post.

Robinson was found to be a person of interest as early as April 28. Guillén’s remains were found June 30 and Robinson fled the base and then killed himself when officials issued a Be On the Lookout, or BOLO, warning for him the next day, according to the Associated Press.

Kadraya Washington said the protest in Tyler was of people who thought something needed to be done and came together.

“I’m really out here for Vanessa Guillén, the soldier who was murdered,” Washington said. “At first they said it was suicide, and they didn’t want to do anything about it. Now we’re calling for justice, because there’s always something going on at that base.”

Washington said she hopes those that see the protesters learn more about the situation and get involved.

Texas Public Radio reported Saturday that a convoy of hundreds of vehicles participated in a protest for Guillén in San Antonio. Many of the vehicles were marked with messages conveying the experiences other women have had in the military, sharing stories of assault, betrayal by fellow service members and superiors who would not support them.

Guillén, a native of Houston, was honored by Mayor Sylvester Turner on Saturday as he declared July 11 Vanessa Guillén Day.