Jayland Walker Statement

Summit County Progressive Democrats (SCPD) expresses our deepest condolences to the family of Jayland Walker and asks the community to pray for them or otherwise express moral support. We further ask the community to honor the request of the family for peaceful and orderly protest. Jayland Walkers death was senseless, and we are demanding a thorough, independent, and swift review, and release of the facts. Once the facts are known, we ask for accountability. SCPD stands with the NAACP denouncing the pursuit and death of Jayland Walker over a minor traffic violation by the Akron Police Department. SCPD along with NAACP urge Akron to voluntarily implement the Cleveland Police Federal Consent Decree. We urge, in particular, that the Akron Police Department review its policy surrounding pursuing/chasing citizens involved in this kind of activity, and codify better protections for protestors and assembly. In addition, the Akron Police Department must eliminate the inhumane policy of handcuffing someone who has been severely injured or shot to death. Jayland Walker died over a Traffic Violation. Never Again.