Jayland Walker Police Shooting: Disturbing Bodycam Video Released; LeBron James Reacts
In light of the Jayland Walker shooting in Ohio, the police released bodycam footage of the fatal encounter between the law enforcement and the 25-year-old, prompting several personalities, including LeBron James, to comment on the tragedy.
According to NBC News, authorities released the bodycam footage during a news conference on Sunday as they tackled what happened concerning the Black man's death.
Akron Police Chief Stephen Mylett claimed that Walker was unarmed when at least eight officers shot at him, and a gun was recovered from the victim's car.
Blaze reported that the video showed a gun on the front seat of Walker's car. Officers claimed that they feared he was preparing to fire when they discharged his weapons.
"Actions by the suspect caused the officers to perceive he posed a deadly threat to them... In response to this threat, officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect," the police said.
Akron City Mayor Dan Horrigan called the incident "heartbreaking" and pleaded for patience and peace amid the investigation. Lakers star LeBron James took to Twitter on Sunday to express his thoughts about the tragedy.
"I [pray] for my city," James said. The basketball player replaced the word "pray" with an emoji of praying hands.
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Jayland Walker Bodycam Video: Victim Leads Officers to a Chase
According to authorities, the police attempted to pull over Jayland Walker's car for traffic and equipment violations in Akron. However, Walker reportedly disregarded the police leading them to a chase.
Less than a minute into the pursuit, the bodycam video revealed a sound of a shot from Walker's vehicle. Meanwhile, a transportation department camera captured what appeared to be a muzzle flash coming from the vehicle.
Walker then jumped out of the car while the car was rolling forward, leading a chase with the police on foot. Police then used stun guns, but they were ineffective. They then opened fire on Walker and pronounced him dead after the pursuit.
Bobby DiCello, Jayland Walker's family attorney, claimed that the authorities fired more than 90 shots, and the initial investigation showed that the Black man had at least 60-80 wounds.
The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office noted that Walker died from multiple gunshot wounds. DiCello said that Walker's family reviewed the bodycam footage before it was released to the public.
Jayland Walker Death: Black Man's Family Calls for Accountability
Reports noted that Jayland Walker's family is now calling for accountability and peace after the shooting incident.
"How it got to this with a pursuit is beyond me," DiCello said, adding that Walker was shot by the police even though he was already on the ground and the authorities handcuffed him before giving him first aid.
Mylett noted that eight police officers were placed on administrative leave as part of the protocol. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost vowed to a "complete, fair, and expert investigations."
Yost added that the bodycam footage was one view of the whole picture. The attorney general then noted that a full investigation must take place before concluding.
The Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation will lead the probe into Jayland Walker's shooting. But the U.S. Attorney's Office, Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and the FBI are also "closely monitoring" the probe.
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Written by: Joshua Summers
WATCH: Akron Police Release Video of Jayland Walker Shooting - From CBS Evening News