There is growing outrage after a state police trooper shot and killed 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane, of New Haven, in West Haven last week.
On Tuesday, dozens of people marched from New Haven City Hall to police headquarters, chanting “Justice for Mubi.”
Their calls for justice follow the fatal state police shooting.
“Mubarak was a human being. He was a son. He was a brother and above all he didn’t deserve to die in the manner in which he did,” said a family member of Soulemane’s.
Body camera video captured Trooper Brian North shooting and killing Soulemane.
State police said this began as an investigation into a reported carjacking and when he was finally stopped after a chase, Soulemane showed a weapon, which turned out to be a knife.
“I saw the video and I’m outraged by the video. And I’m not a law-enforcement officer but I can be pretty confident that actions taken by the officer were not what should have been done,” said Mayor Justin Elicker, D – New Haven.
Elicker said Soulemane was the second city resident to have been shot by outside law enforcement in the last year.
“It is critical for us to stand and make sure that law enforcement, all of our law enforcement are held accountable and to a high standard,” said Elicker.
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Over the weekend it was announced that inspectors from the state Division of Criminal Justice had taken control of the investigation from state police.
Reverend Boise Kimber is again calling for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to get involved.
“We do not trust the state to investigate the state,” said Kimber.
Following the protest and the mayor’s statement, state police declined to comment.
During the rally, it was announced a memorial service for Soulemane is being planned for Saturday.
