The shooting of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker in Akron on November 28, 2024, has sparked significant controversy and protests, as authorities released body camera footage to maintain transparency while an investigation is underway. The footage shows two Akron patrol officers approaching Tucker around 11 p.m. after reports of gunshots in the area. When Tucker allegedly fled on foot, one officer fired an assault rifle, fatally wounding him. Tucker later died in the hospital. However, the video, which lasts around eight minutes, is partially obstructed and difficult to fully interpret. It shows the officer raising his rifle and firing, but it’s unclear whether Tucker was visible during the shooting. The first 30 seconds of the footage have no audio, and there are questions about the delayed response in providing medical aid to Tucker.
According to the footage, officers waited approximately seven minutes before approaching Tucker, at which point they handcuffed him and searched his pockets, claiming to find a gun. Legal representatives for Tucker’s family allege that officers did not provide medical assistance until 10 minutes after the shooting. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik has expressed concerns over the incident, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation, especially regarding the delay in offering aid and the decision to use deadly force.
The case has led to protests, with demonstrators calling for justice and accountability for the officers involved. Community members gathered at Akron City Hall, demanding the firing of the officers. Inside the hall, police union president Brian Lucey assured the public of full cooperation with the investigation but stressed that any threats made against officers would be addressed. Akron City Council President Margo Sommerville echoed the sentiment, stressing that officers should be held accountable if they violated protocols.
