Police Chief Files Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit Filed by Ex-Boulder County NAACP Exec

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Police Chief Files Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit Filed by Ex-Boulder County NAACP Exec Amid Ongoing Tensions

Stephen Redfearn pushes back against Darren O’Connor’s claims of retaliation tied to criticism over Elijah McClain controversy

In a bold move that highlights deepening rifts in Boulder’s community leadership, the police chief files motion to dismiss lawsuit filed by ex-Boulder County NAACP exec.

This development stems from a heated dispute that has gripped the city for years.

Stephen Redfearn, Boulder’s top cop, argues that the case brought by Darren O’Connor falls under Colorado’s protections against lawsuits designed to silence public voices.

O’Connor, a former key figure in the local NAACP branch, alleges that Redfearn and city manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde targeted him after he voiced sharp criticisms.

The backlash reportedly included complaints to attorney regulators, which O’Connor sees as a direct hit on his professional standing.

At the heart of this storm lies Redfearn’s past role in Aurora, where he was on duty the night Elijah McClain tragically died.

That 2019 incident, involving a young Black man subdued with force and a fatal ketamine dose, sparked nationwide outrage and fueled Boulder’s own debates when Redfearn joined the force.

Critics argue this history shows a pattern of insensitivity, clashing with community demands for reform.

Redfearn’s recent filing in federal court claims his actions were simply exercising his own rights, not retaliation.

O’Connor fired back, pointing out that anti-SLAPP rules might not even apply here, citing broader legal precedents.

Meanwhile, the national NAACP has its own legal battle brewing against O’Connor and others, accusing them of mishandling funds and spreading false narratives.

A settlement talk is slated for early December, adding another layer to Boulder’s fraught civil rights landscape.

Local activists continue to call for Redfearn’s resignation, echoing demands from last year tied to the McClain case verdicts.

This saga underscores the emotional toll of policing controversies in Colorado’s progressive hubs.

Residents watch closely as the court weighs in, potentially reshaping trust between officials and advocates.

Redfearn recently requested more time to respond, pushing deadlines into mid-November.

What started as a hiring dispute has evolved into a test of free speech and accountability in Boulder.