Protesters call for accountability in police shooting death of Jayland Walker

On Saturday, a large group of demonstrators gathered to protest the shooting death of Jayland Walker by Akron Police officers. Despite the beautiful weather, several hundred people marched between Second Baptist Church and the Akron Police Department, calling for accountability and transparency from the city and police department. The group demanded justice, stating that they would rather be at the pool on such a nice day but felt compelled to march because justice demands balance and equality. Signs and chants echoed their call for transparency and accountability.

The 25-year-old was killed in the early hours of Monday morning after a series of events that unfolded in less than five minutes. Officers tried to pull over Walker’s vehicle on Tallmadge Avenue in Akron's North Hill neighborhood around 12:30 a.m. Monday, but the car did not stop and led officers on a short pursuit. Within a few seconds of being on Route 8, officers heard a gunshot or multiple gunshots coming from Walker’s vehicle. Officers chased Walker on Route 8 and I-77, where he exited into the Firestone Park Area, before getting out of the car and running. The vehicle coasted into Firestone Christian Church while Walker ran through a grassy area and into a parking lot at Bridgestone. Officers opened fire, claiming Walker posed a deadly threat to them. The preliminary autopsy report showed more than 60 gunshot wounds on Walker’s body.

Protests have taken place in front of the Akron Police headquarters every day since Wednesday, causing periodic street closures and business shutdowns. On Thursday, the city canceled its annual Independence Day weekend event Rib, White and Blue. Mayor Dan Horrigan stated, “It’s not the time for a city-led celebration.” The Mayor and Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett will hold a press conference on Sunday at 1 p.m. to release more details and footage from the incident. Akron now requires the release of body camera footage within seven days of police use of force events that result in death or serious injury. The investigation has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.