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Akron, Ohio (TCO) — On the second consecutive day of protests, Akron residents gathered downtown to demand justice for 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker, who was fatally shot by police on Nov. 28. The demonstrations come in response to the release of body-worn camera footage and official statements from Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding addressing the incident.
Protesters marched peacefully, carrying signs with messages such as “Justice for Jazmir” and “No More Silence.” Organizers called for increased police accountability and demanded answers to lingering questions about the circumstances of Tucker’s death. While the demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, police maintained a visible presence to ensure public safety.
Mayor Malik and Chief Harding previously expressed condolences for Tucker’s family and acknowledged concerns about police conduct during the shooting. Both have outlined next steps for investigations and systemic reforms in policing.
Mayor Malik’s Response
Mayor Malik has called the incident “heartbreaking” and emphasized the need for accountability. His statement raised critical questions about the actions of the officers involved, including:
- Body Camera Activation: The officers failed to manually activate their cameras, which only recorded video (without audio) after being triggered by nearby emergency lights. Malik questioned whether this violated body camera policies, a matter under internal investigation.
- Use of Rifles: The use of rifles instead of handguns has sparked discussions on weapon protocols, which will be included in a comprehensive review of Akron’s use-of-force policies.
- Delay in Rendering Aid: Malik expressed concern over the delay in providing aid to Tucker and announced immediate roll-call training for officers on scene management and rendering assistance.
“The loss of a young life demands answers,” Malik said. “Our community deserves trust, accountability, and systemic change. This is my commitment as mayor.”
Malik pledged to release a detailed plan for reforming use-of-force policies next week and encouraged the public to continue advocating for change through peaceful demonstration.
Chief Harding’s Response
Chief Harding reiterated the department’s commitment to accountability and transparency, acknowledging public concerns about the incident.
Key points from Harding’s statement include:
- Independent Investigation: The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is leading an impartial probe into the shooting, with findings to be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General and a Summit County grand jury. An internal investigation will follow to determine potential policy violations.
- Support for Reform: Harding pledged full cooperation with Malik’s planned use-of-force policy review and emphasized the importance of improving police-community relations.
- Praise for Officers: Harding commended Akron police officers for their service while recognizing the challenges they face daily.
“We must focus on accountability and transparency to build trust,” Harding said.
Protest Updates
Protests began shortly after the city released body-camera footage on Dec. 5. Day 2 of demonstrations featured a larger turnout, with community members expressing frustration over systemic issues in policing. Several grassroots organizations, including local youth groups, have joined the movement, urging the city to implement swift reforms.
While the demonstrations remained peaceful, city officials reminded the public of the importance of lawful protest. “We support the right to protest and will continue to ensure spaces for people to express their voices,” Malik said.
Next Steps
The independent investigation by BCI continues, with the results to be presented to the Ohio Attorney General for review. A Summit County grand jury will determine whether criminal charges should be filed. The city has committed to making the full investigation file public after the grand jury process concludes.
In the meantime, Mayor Malik has promised to prioritize systemic reforms, focusing on use-of-force policies and departmental culture. Chief Harding has ordered immediate training for officers on rendering aid and scene management to prevent similar outcomes in the future.
Akron residents, united in grief and frustration, are calling for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change to prevent further tragedies. For ongoing updates, follow The Cleveland Observer.
