Several police officers in London have decided to give up their weapons licenses in protest after a colleague was charged with murder in connection with the death of a young black man a year ago.
The accused police officer appeared in court on Thursday for the murder of Chris Kaba, 24, who was shot dead in south-west London on September 5 last year. At the time, Kaba was not armed.
According to police reports, the license plate of Kaba’s car was detected by a camera, which linked him to a previous incident involving firearms.
This unusual protest initiative has generated a supportive response from the Minister of the Interior, Suella Braverman, who expressed her “full support” for the armed police and highlighted the risks they face in ensuring public safety.
However, many armed officers in London are concerned about the possible legal consequences of their actions in the line of duty. As a result, more than 100 officers have decided to temporarily renounce their weapons permit while reflecting on their position.
The majority of the 34,000 police officers in London are not armed on daily duty, and those who carry weapons face significant pressure when making quick decisions in high-stress situations. This incident and the officers’ response highlight the challenges law enforcement faces amid growing public awareness about police violence and the use of force.