A vigil will be held on Queen Square this Saturday as part of a national day of action in memory of Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old black man shot dead by London’s Met police.
Kaba was unarmed when he was killed by a single bullet shot by a firearms officer following a traffic stop and short car chase in Streatham Hill on September 5.
The officer who fired the bullet has been suspended, the Met have confirmed. Following campaigning by Kaba’ family a homicide investigation into the shooting has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Kaba’s death fits the inglorious and indefensible pattern of black people who have died following contact with police, evidence some say of the inherent racism of the Met police in particular, and the police in general.
The media, too, has come under fire for its coverage of his death. There was outrage when a protest march in London against police racism was broadcast by Sky News with the commentator claiming it to be a mourning demonstration for the Queen.
Sky News have since issued a retraction and apology.
Bristol’s vigil will begin at 2pm on Queen Square.