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(CLEVELAND, OH – 7/5/22) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) is calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the killing of Jayland Walker, an unarmed Black man who was shot by Akron police while he was fleeing across a parking lot after an alleged traffic violation.
Newly-released police video shows the deadly shooting of Jayland Walker, 25, just after midnight on June 27, 2022. Walker sustained more than 60 gun-shot wounds after allegedly fleeing from a vehicle being pursued by the Akron Police Department.
Akron police allege they saw a muzzle flash from the vehicle as it was under pursuit, but Jayland Walker was unarmed and was fleeing when he was shot in the back. According to an attorney for the Walker family, police handcuffed Walker before attempting first aid.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson reacted to the killing calling it “murder. Point blank.” Eight Akron police officers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave.
SEE: After police kill unarmed Black man Jayland Walker, Akron police release bodycam footage
In a statement, CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland Chapter Executive Director Julia Shearson said:
“The tragic death of Jayland Walker cries out for justice, accountability and change. To protect public safety and human rights, we are calling on the United States Department of Justice to launch an independent and transparent investigation into whether police violated Walker’s civil rights by shooting him dozens of times as he was fleeing, unarmed.
“We also urge the Department of Justice to use its authority under 42 U.S.C. § 14141 to open a ‘pattern-or-practice’ investigation to determine whether the Akron Police Department is engaged in a pattern or practice of violating federal law. The DOJ has the authority and tools to ensure a comprehensive analysis of police policies and practices as well as a targeted review of specific aspects of policing.
“A careful review by the DOJ of Akron’s use-of-force procedures, particularly the use of deadly force against fleeing suspects, and a DOJ review of race and policing in Akron are crucial. Analysis and reforms will not bring Jayland back, but future tragedies may be prevented.”
CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to protect civil rights enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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