15-Year-Old Black Girl Killed in Ohio Police Shooting
Written by SOURCE on April 21, 2021
Demonstrators are demanding justice for Makiyah Bryant, a Black teenager who was fatally shot by Ohio police Tuesday afternoon.
According to the New York Times, the incident occurred in southeast Columbus at around 4:45 p.m. local time, just minutes before the Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd—a 46-year-old Black man whose death sparked one of the biggest protest movements in U.S. history.
Ben Crump, the attorney who represented Floyd’s family, responded to Makiyah’s death via Twitter on Tuesday night, reminding the world that the fight for racial justice is far from over.
Hazel Bryant, who identified herself as Makiyah’s aunt, told the Daily Beast that her niece was shot at a foster home where she had been living. Bryant claimed the incident began when several adult women went to the residence and started an altercation with Makiyah. The aunt said the teen had called police as well as some relatives for help, and then armed herself with a knife for protection.
Bryant told the outlet that Makiyah’s grandmother and father had filled her in on the events that took place prior to the shooting. The grandmother reportedly told Bryant that Makiyah was fending off an attack in the home’s front yard when officers arrived at the scene. Bryant claimed her niece had already dropped the knife at that point, but officers opened fire and ended up shooting Makiyah four times.
“The police are going to lie. I’m so thankful that someone from the family was actually on the scene,” Bryant said. “The police are going to lie. The police are going to cover up for themselves. They don’t care. At this point, I feel like they’re just out to kill Black people. They’re not here to protect and serve. That isn’t happening. That’s been over a long time ago. They’re not here to protect and serve. They’re here to kill Black folks.”
Makiyah was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. She was pronounced dead shortly after.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther addressed the police shooting in a series of tweets Tuesday night, confirming the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. He also called on the public to “remain calm” as the authorities gather all the facts.
The Columbus Division of Police has yet to identify the involved officers.
In the hours since Makiyah’s death, protestors have taken to the streets to demand justice for the teen. Stay tuned as more information becomes available.
