The memory of the death of Georges Floyd, a black forty-something suffocated under the knee of a white policeman at the end of May, is still alive. Since then, a wave of anti-racist protest, sometimes carrying violence, has crossed the country. The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the scene of protests and clashes with police, with dozens of officers injured, on the night of Monday, October 26 to Tuesday, 27 after the death of a black man killed by the police.
Identified as Walter Wallace Jr., the 27-year-old man died Monday afternoon in the West Philadelphia neighborhood, shot several times by two police officers who did not appear to be in imminent danger, as shown in a video circulating on social networks .
Police were dispatched to the scene after a call made mention of a man with a knife. Mr. Wallace Jr. refused to drop his gun despite officers’ orders, according to Eric Gripp, spokesman for the Philadelphia Police Department.
According to his father, interviewed by the newspaper Philadelphia Inquirer, the victim suffered from psychological problems and was under treatment. “Why didn’t they use a taser (electric pulse gun)? “, asked Walter Wallace Sr. “His mother was trying to calm the situation”, he added.
A few hours after the incident, some 300 demonstrators gathered in the streets to protest against police violence and racism, leading to confrontations with the police.
Wave of anti-racist protest
Thirty officers were injured, several of whom were hospitalized, Philadelphia police reported. Most of their injuries came from projectiles, including bricks, thrown by protesters and a policewoman was hit by a vehicle, according to a police spokesperson.
Businesses were vandalized, a police car set on fire and many individuals were arrested, according to the authorities. “I saw the video of this tragic incident and it raises difficult questions that need to be answered”, said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. He announced that an investigation was going to be opened.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. We stand ready to deploy federal resources if needed. President Trump will not allow violence to be directed against US law enforcement “, assured for his part Alyssa Farah, director of communication of the White House.
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