The POWER Live Free family expresses our sorrow and extends our support to the family of Walter Wallace, Jr. We are outraged and we condemn the senseless killing of Mr. Wallace by Philadelphia Police Officers. The use of lethal violence rather than de-escalation tactics reflects contempt for Black Lives. We demand:
- The release of all video from the killing
- The officers involved should be suspended, immediately, and ultimately terminated.
- We also demand that Mayor Jim Kenney, Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, and District Attorney Larry Krasner take definitive action to implement long-standing recommendations to change how the City responds to people experiencing mental health crises
The killing of “Little Walt,” as he is affectionately called by family and friends, is tragic and further emphasizes the need for an independent civilian police oversight committee, which is on the ballot this fall.
Now more than ever we need Independent Police Oversight, and we urge voters in Philadelphia to vote “yes” on Issue #3. We can no longer expect the police to hold themselves accountable. Enough is enough.
