Dozens of firearms officers in London have refused to go on armed patrols in protest against the trial of a colleague accused of murder in the shooting and killing of Black man Chris Kaba during an operation to apprehend a dangerous criminal. The officers believe that "the trial of their colleague for murder is unjust, as he was performing his duty professionally as mandated by the law and fired after numerous warnings... and that his trial as a murderer puts all armed officers at risk of facing the same fate."
Despite the intervention of the London Police Chief urging officers to resume carrying weapons and accept their duties, they remain steadfast in their position. Hundreds of officers from police departments across the UK may join them, which could lead to significant security instability in the country, potentially resulting in serious crimes and allowing offenders to evade justice if the crisis is not urgently resolved. The Guardian reported that the number of protesting officers has reached 70 so far.
