Statement on the Police Killing of Jayland Walker

The Legal Rights Center mourns the loss of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man who was killed last week by the Akron Police Department. Jayland was a son, a brother, a friend, and a neighbor. His life mattered. He should be alive today.

60 gunshot wounds or more. The police shot at Jayland 90 times and riddled his body with at least 60 bullets. There is no justification for this police violence. Contrast this deadly police violence with yesterday's mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, after which a white man suspected of murdering seven people and injuring many others was taken into custody without injury by police. Racist police violence has stolen too many Black lives. Jayland Walker should be alive today.

As Jayland’s family and community in Akron grieve and exercise their right to protest his horrific killing, the use of tear gas and mass arrests are unconscionable. This only serves to inflict further trauma on a community that is already experiencing loss and deep pain.
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The Legal Rights Center stands with Jayland Walker’s family and with all those demanding immediate action to hold police accountable for his killing and to end police violence against BIPOC communities. Black Lives Matter. Jayland Walker should be alive today.
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