The Aurora (Colorado) Police Department’s former chief Vanessa Wilson has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging her firing was discriminatory and retaliatory for implementing anti-racism reforms.
Wilson’s employment was terminated in April 2022 , and her attorneys notified the city in November of her intent to sue. On Friday, her team submitted a 35-page complaint in the U.S. District Court for Colorado, detailing accusations that former City Manager Jim Twombly fired Wilson “because of her association with and advocacy on behalf of individuals of color, and in retaliation for, and in anticipation of, Chief Wilson engaging in protected activities.” The complaint alleges a violation of her civil rights and wrongful termination in violation of state public policy — conducting a legal obligation as part of her job, the Denver Post reports.