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Local activist becomes council member for East Pittsburgh over year after Antwon Rose’s shooting death

EAST PITTSBURGH, Pa. — A local father and activist who was involved in numerous demonstrations after Antwon Rose Jr. was shot and killed by a police officer is now a council member for East Pittsburgh.

Jonathan Reyes was outspoken in the months following Rose Jr.'s death, including after the officer who shot him – Michael Rosfeld – was found not guilty, and now he is creating change from the inside.

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Reyes was sworn in on Jan. 6.

“If we’re going to go out on these streets, if we’re going out to protest, I’m here for it,” Reyes said.

That was the mindset he had not long after Rose Jr. was shot and killed.

Reyes already has a list of things he wants to do. One is creating opportunities for children to enjoy their neighborhood.

The council wants to turn an empty lot into a safe park for kids. Reyes said he also wants to create transparency in the community.

“I think it is extremely important for us to have a civilian police board as well,” said Reyes. “I also want to really focus on our ordinances and possibly change them.”