PJP’s Statement on Jazmir Tucker

People’s Justice Project is outraged by the body cam footage of the lynching of Jazmir Tucker. The body cam footage revealed what we already knew: the Akron Police Department has a serious issue with how it handles its Black and brown citizens. 

After examining the body cam footage, we can conclude that Jazmir Tucker was not displaying a firearm at the time of the shooting. Akron Police murdered a 15-year-old child and then proceeded to call out commands numerous times. Upon approaching Jazmir, they then handcuffed his lifeless body, unzipped his jacket, and searched him for weapons. 

Jazmir Tucker bled out for 10 minutes. 

The released footage does not show what led up to the murder of Jazmir, nor is there any evidence of him being a threat to police. 

We stand with the family of Jazmir, the community, and our partners, The Freedom BLOC.

People’s Justice Project is in solidarity with the following demands:

• Full transparency and cooperation from the Akron Police Department

• Full criminal investigation of this incident

• Full audit and review of practices and procedures of Akron Police Department

In addition to this, we want the names of all officers involved in this shooting released along with their personnel files. We demand Justice for Jazmir Tucker, increased community safety measures, and transformative policy measures. 

All of these officers must be held accountable for their participation in the murder of Jazmir Tucker immediately. This should have NEVER HAPPENED. Jazmir should still be ALIVE. Justice for Jazmir Tucker.