#AltonSterling
Black man shot by police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, captured on video and sparking protests.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak | July 5, 2016 |
| Event | Shot by police during arrest |
| Age | 37 years old |
| Impact | Part of 2016 wave of police shootings |
Origin & Impact
Alton Sterling was shot by police outside a convenience store in Baton Rouge on July 5, 2016. Graphic video of the shooting went viral, and #AltonSterling trended alongside renewed #BlackLivesMatter activism. Protests erupted in Baton Rouge and nationwide as part of a devastating week that also included Philando Castile’s death.
The hashtag documented protests, demanded accountability, and highlighted ongoing police violence against Black Americans. While officers were not charged, Sterling’s death contributed to national conversations about police reform and use of force. #AltonSterling remained a rallying cry through 2020’s racial justice uprising.
Related Hashtags
- #JusticeForAlton
- #BlackLivesMatter
- #SayHisName
- #PhilandoCastile