AKRON, Ohio — The city of Akron lifted its curfew Wednesday morning following a weekend of protests after the release of the video of Jayland Walker on the night he was shot and killed by police.
Akron’s mayor Dan Horrigan wrote in a statement putting the curfew into place was because of safety concerns for the downtown corridor and residents.
“What I want our residents and community to know, is that we aren’t arresting protesters who choose to peacefully protest,” Horrigan wrote. “Hundreds of citizens have protested in our community for days without incident, and we support their right to do so.”
According to the release, those arrested engaged in “criminal behavior” such as becoming violent with officers and disrupting the peace.
“These individuals do not represent the larger gathering of peaceful protests and we won’t let them control the narrative of our community who are voicing their concerns,” Horrigan said in the release. “I continue to urge peace in our city and ask that if you see threats or instances of violence, that you report them.”
In Akron, many are still processing all that occurred. For some, like Robert Hubbard — Walker’s former wrestling coach — processing what happened isn’t exactly a simple thing to do. He said he has no words.
Jayland Walker, right, with former Buchtel High School wrestling coach, Robert Hubbard. (Photo Courtesy Robert Hubbard)
“I couldn’t understand it,” he said.
Walker was shot and killed last week by Akron police officers following a traffic violation.
“When I heard this I thought no, no way, not that kid,” Hubbard said.
Akron police said Walker refused to pull over, causing a chase to ensue. Police said Walker opened fire nearly a minute into the chase. Released body camera footage shows Walker slowing down his vehicle and bailing, running with officers following behind.
Officers state they attempted to use a taser on Walker but were unsuccessful. It was moments later that officers opened fire, shooting and killing Walker, who they later confirmed was unarmed at the time.
Records viewed with the county medical examiner confirm at least dozens of wounds on Walker’s body.
