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The Metropolitan Police officer who fired the shot that killed 24-year-old Chris Kaba has been suspended from the front line, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed in a statement.
The unarmed man was shot dead by police in Streatham Hill, south London last Monday evening. Kaba was driving a vehicle that was stopped after the activation of an automatic license plate recognition camera, which indicated the car had been linked to a firearms offense in the previous days.
A chase ensued and he was killed by a single shot fired through the driver’s side windshield of the car.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since launched a homicide investigation into Kaba’s death.
The suspension came after two London MPs joined calls from campaigners and Kaba’s family for the officer to be disciplined.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Streatham, and Harriet Harman, MP for Camberwell and Peckham, signed a letter saying it was “incomprehensible” the officer had not been disciplined.
Hundreds marched on Parliament on Saturday demanding justice for Kaba, who was a drill rapper from south London.
Deborah Coles, chief executive of the charity Inquest, which has been working with Kaba’s family and legal team, urged the new Met commissioner to act quickly, saying: “One of Mark Rowley’s first priorities should be to ensure that the officer who shot Chris Kaba has no contact with the public until the investigation into his or her conduct is complete.”
She added: “The new commissioner should have no doubt about the strength of the feeling of this shooting. This is not an isolated case, but one of a shamefully long pattern of deaths among black men who have died after using lethal force. There is an endemic culture of delay, denial and defensiveness following state-related deaths.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, welcomed Monday’s decision. “My thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s loved ones at this intensely difficult time as the IOPC continue their independent murder investigation,” he said.
Police Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson said on Monday: “Following the death of Chris Kaba, the firearms officer involved has been suspended from duty.
“This decision has been taken after careful consideration of a number of factors, including the significant impact on public confidence, and in light of the Independent Policing Office announcing a homicide investigation.
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr. Kaba’s family and friends. We understand how concerned communities are, especially black communities, and thank those who work closely with our local officers.”
The Met Police have asked anyone with information that could help establish what happened to contact the IOPC directly to maintain the independence of their investigation.
They emphasized that “the decision to suspend the officer does not determine the outcome of the IOPC investigation. Firearms officers serve to protect the public and know that on the rare occasions when they do fire their weapons, they will be subject to intense scrutiny. I know that this development will have a significant impact on the officer and colleagues.”
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