HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Dozens of protesters gathered outside Hartford Police Headquarters Saturday, calling for accountability after an officer shot a man during a mental health crisis on Blue Hills Avenue Friday.
The shooting — the second involving a Hartford police officer in eight days — prompted demonstrators to march to headquarters, carrying signs and chanting. Protesters said they want police to stop the violence and improve how officers respond to mental health calls.
Cell phone video shows the encounter
Cell phone video obtained by the station shows the interaction between the man and police on Blue Hills Avenue. In the video, the man can be seen holding a large knife while officers order him to drop it. Police said they deployed a Taser before the video was recorded, and it was unsuccessful. The man walked closer to an officer, and after additional commands to drop the knife, the officer fired several shots, striking the man at least once. The man is in critical condition.
Voices from the rally
Kamora Harrington, who runs Kamora’s Cultural Corner, was among those who attended the rally.
“I’m very happy that people showed up for black human beings who are being murdered in the city of Hartford right now and I’m hoping the conversations that need to happen can happen so the folks who say that all oppressions are connected will see that they really are and continue to do the work,” Harrington said.
Harrington said this incident brings to mind police shootings that have occurred across the country.
“It’s just in there swirling with all the other times that they’ve murdered us, all the other times that they’ve laughed at us and all of the other times that it’s clear our humanity and our lives don’t matter to them,” she said.
Another speaker at the rally said he grew up near the scene of the shooting and has a brother who struggles with mental illness.
“These individuals are people too. They are humans. They may not interact with you on the same level you are accustomed to, but you cannot treat them any less human than you,” he said.
Mayor, investigators respond
Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said there will be a full investigation into the shooting. In a statement, Arulampalam said: “I will use my office and my voice to ensure it is done in a thorough, transparent, and timely manner. The public has a right to clear answers on this — I plan to make sure they get them.”
The Office of the Inspector General is investigating the shooting and will determine whether it was justified. Additional information is expected next week, though a full report could take months.
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