Protests Erupt After Met Marksman Acquitted in Chris Kaba Shooting
Tonight, furious protesters gathered outside London’s Old Bailey demanding justice for Chris Kaba. The crowd waved placards reading “Justice for Chris Kaba” following the shocking not guilty verdict for Metropolitan Police marksman Martyn Blake, accused of murdering Kaba.
Anger and Grief Spill Over Outside Court
The verdict, handed down after the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Chris Kaba in South London last September, sparked immediate outrage. Demonstrators, including Black Lives Matter activists and family supporters, chanted “What do we want? Justice. When do we want it? Now.” Others held signs blaming police as perpetrators of injustice.
“We are devastated. The not guilty verdict leaves us with the deep pain of injustice,” said the Kaba family in a heartfelt statement, mourning the loss and expressing disappointment.
Emotions ran high outside the courthouse. Tears flowed as the crowd comforted each other. Sheeda Queen, Kaba’s cousin, blasted the quick acquittal as “shameful” after the verdict was returned in just hours.
Rapper Stormzy showed solidarity at a recent march demanding justice.
Graphic Footage Released Showing Shooting Moment
The Crown Prosecution Service released damning police bodycam footage capturing the moment Blake fired through Kaba’s car windscreen. The video shows a chaotic police standoff as officers order Kaba from his vehicle, before a shot rings out and frantic calls for first aid follow.
The vehicle was linked to a gang-related shooting the night before. Officers shouted, “Armed police, show me your hands,” before the shooting occurred during an attempt by Kaba to reverse and flee.
Public Backlash and Police Under Scrutiny
Protests outside the Old Bailey were charged with accusations of racism and corruption against the police. Demonstrators beat drums, chanted “No justice, no peace,” and held signs such as “Ashamed to be white” and “Born 1999, lynched 2022.”
Temi Mwale of the Justice for Chris Kaba Campaign said, “It is a falsehood to believe these institutions keep us safe. This is what this country likes – racism.”
Aftermath: Police, Politics, and Future of Armed Policing
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) defended its probe, with director Amanda Rowe stating the law allows police to use lethal force if reasonable under the circumstances. She acknowledged the intense public interest, especially in Black communities.
However, police morale is shaken. Hundreds of firearms officers handed in their licenses after Blake was charged, forcing the army to be put on standby. The Home Office is reviewing armed policing accountability amid fears officers are being discouraged from volunteering for armed roles.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned that legal risks have hampered recruitment, with firearms applications plummeting.
The Kaba family is reportedly considering legal action against the Metropolitan Police. An inquest is expected, while activists vow to keep pressing for justice and systemic police reform nationwide.
