Met Police Marksman Charged with Murder of Unarmed Black Man, Sparking Debate Over Use of Lethal Force and Accountability of Officers

On Sunday, London’s police force reported that some officers are refusing to conduct armed patrols following the murder charge of a colleague in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man.

The Metropolitan Police marksman was charged Wednesday over the September 2022 death of Chris Kaba, 24. Kaba was killed after officers in an unmarked vehicle pursued and stopped the car he was driving. He was struck by a single bullet fired through the windshield as he sat in the Audi car.

The family of Chris Kaba welcomed the murder charge against the officer, who has not been publicly named.

Only about one in 10 of London’s police officers carry firearms, and the incident has sparked a debate over the use of armed officers in the city. The police force has said it is reviewing its policies and procedures in light of the incident.

The incident has also raised questions about the use of lethal force by police in the UK, and the lack of accountability when officers are accused of wrongdoing. The police force has said it is committed to ensuring that all officers act with integrity and professionalism.