Benito Flores, a 70-year-old retired welder, passed away while defending his occupied home in El Sereno, California, after a series of failed eviction attempts. Known for constructing a tree house for protection during evictions, Flores had been strengthening the property amid ongoing protests against homelessness. Local activists, under the banner of "Reclaiming Our Homes," occupied vacant state-owned houses to highlight the issue of vacant properties amidst widespread homelessness. Flores's efforts and death have made him a symbol for human rights and the housing crisis in Los Angeles.
"He's a martyr for human rights, for the decent right of housing for everyone," said Roberto Flores, who is not related to Benito.
The activists, who call themselves "Reclaiming Our Homes," argued that the true crime wasn't breaking into empty houses, but rather that publicly owned homes were left vacant while tens of thousands of people lived on the streets of Los Angeles.
As part of the eviction defense, Flores constructed an elaborate tree house 28 feet high in an ash tree in the home's backyard, where he planned to retreat if police attempted to haul him out.
Flores continued to fortify the property, including building additional defenses in a second tree in the backyard.
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