Shammas' statement on Jayland Walker grand jury decision

Today, we learned that the grand jury will not issue indictments in the killing of Jayland Walker. But today’s decision does not mean what happened to Jayland was right. 

We can and should review all of the information being released by the Ohio Attorney General’s office, including evidence that Jayland fired a weapon during the chase. But I want to be clear - there can be no justification for the brutal amount of force in the video of Jayland’s last moments. What we have witnessed is a systemic failure that demands change from our police department. 

In Akron and across our country, true justice will only come when policies and culture are changed to ensure that Black residents are treated with the fairness and respect that is every person’s birthright. In Akron, we have a long way to go. I am committed to this work. I know our community is committed to this work. We must feel the urgency and take action.

Today’s news reopens the wound inflicted on this community by Jayland’s killing. We must, individually and collectively, take time to process our feelings, to make our voices heard, to ensure peace in our community, and to demand change. Each one of us has power. Together, we can honor Jayland Walker’s life and his family’s grief by creating justice in our city.