WASHINGTON — As Tuesday marks one year since Jayland Walker was killed in a shooting involving Akron police amid an overnight chase, a group held a “Justice for Jayland” rally at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
You can watch the entirety of the rally on WKYC's YouTube page.
“Together, we can make a difference and ensure that his story is heard,” organizers said.
A bus trip to the nation’s capital left late Monday night from the First Congregational Church parking lot at 355 South Union Street in Akron. Organizers say the bus will return to Akron around 11:30 p.m.
3News has a crew in Washington, D.C. to bring updates amid the rally, which you can see throughout our afternoon newscasts starting at 4 p.m.
“We believe that it is crucial to take our demands directly to the Department of Justice, an institution responsible for upholding the principles of fairness and accountability in our society,” organizers declared. “We encourage everyone to attend. By uniting in our cause, we can create a powerful and impactful movement that demands justice, transparency, and meaningful change.”
After a months-long investigation into Walker’s shooting death, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced in mid April that no criminal charges would be filed against any of the eight officers involved.
"Legal justification does not change the terrible, permanent damage of Jayland Walker's death," Yost said upon revealing the grand jury’s “no bill” decision on April 17. "I grieve the loss of this promising young life, although I recognize that no words of mine can offer much comfort to his family."
Walker’s family filed a lawsuit against the city of Akron earlier this month.
“The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, seeks at least $45 million in damages, $1 million for each bullet that struck Jayland Walker,” according to a press release.
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