We extend our sympathy to the family of George Nkencho, a young Black man shot dead by the Gardaí and we stand in solidarity with to the community in Blanchardstown.
There are questions that need to be answered.
There were more than a dozen trained Gardaí at the scene. Why, instead of de-escalating the situation as they have done numerous times before, the young man was fatally shot – with reports of up to five shots being fired?
There are reports of George Nkencho having a history of mental illness. Why were there no social-psychological support available that could have helped to de-escalate the situation.
The man had walked to his own home and was surrounded by armed Gardaí was this not an opportunity to try to calm the situation?
This isn’t is excusing the fact that George Nkencho had a knife. Nobody is saying it was ok for him to attack a shop worker. The fact of the matter is: it is not the job of the Guards to be judge, jury and executioner and as such over a dozen were very clearly inadequately trained to deal with a very agitated man.
This all sets a dangerous precedent.
It needs to be thoroughly and transparently investigated and given the history of institutionalised bias in the police force – the question of race needs to be a key part of such an investigation.
#JusticeForGeorgeNkencho
#BlackLivesMatter
