Hundreds of outraged residents took to the streets of Footscray, a suburb in Melbourne, to protest the fatal police shooting of Abdifatah Ahmed, a 35-year-old man, on April 17. Witnesses reported that Ahmed charged at police armed with a knife, prompting officers to respond with lethal force, a move that Victoria Police described as “appropriate.”
The demonstration drew considerable attention, particularly from the Somali community and broader African Australian demographic, with protesters demanding justice for Ahmed. Among the rallying cries were slogans like “mental health needs care, not bullets.” Tensions flared during the march as a confrontation erupted between protesters and police.
Community leaders expressed deep concern over the incident, claiming Ahmed required compassionate support rather than violence. Isaiah Alier Mashinkok, chief executive of the African Youth Collective, highlighted systemic failures, stating, “Our people are dying every single day,” calling for a critical examination of the circumstances leading to such tragic outcomes.
In the wake of the shooting, leaders, including Farah Warsame of Somali Community Inc, urged for an independent investigation and the release of body camera footage from the involved officers. Warsame pointed out that Ahmed, who was in distress, needed care, not deadly intervention, and stressed the importance of culturally competent mental health services in the area.
Moreover, the protest underscored broader issues of over-policing and racial profiling faced by African Australian communities, concerns that have been raised previously yet remain unresolved. An independent investigation was called for to ensure transparency, including scrutiny of whether other non-lethal options, such as Tasers, were available during the encounter.
In response, Victoria Police confirmed that the Homicide Squad is investigating the incident, with an independent review initially planned for the Coroner. The police rejected claims of racial bias in the shooting, asserting that officer training prioritises community safety, stating, “These decisions are made in line with rigorous training.” It was also revealed that the officers involved did not have Tasers on them during the incident.
The event has reignited discussions surrounding police conduct and mental health responses, with advocates reiterating the need for resources focused on de-escalation when dealing with individuals in distress. The protests reflect a growing frustration within the community regarding the perceived inadequacies in handling mental health crises and the necessary support systems in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.