Met firearms officers threaten to disarm in row over Chris Kaba shooting

13 September 2022, 18:10 | Updated: 13 September 2022, 21:07

Met firearms officers threaten to hand in their weapons over Chris Kaba shooting
Met firearms officers threaten to hand in their weapons over Chris Kaba shooting. Picture: Alamy/Family handout

By Lauren Lewis

Metropolitan Police officers have threatened to protest after a colleague was suspended after the death of Chris Kaba.

Firearms officers have threatened to hand in their weapons and tell their bosses they are no longer willing to carry them while on patrol, the Telegraph reported.

It comes after the Met suspended an officer over the death of Mr Kaba, a 24-year-old rapper from London, following pressure from his family.

Mr Kaba died after a single shot was fired in Streatham Hill, south London, on September 5.

The unarmed rapper, who was due to become a father, was stopped by firearms officers when his car was flagged by a number plate recognition camera.

He had been driving an Audi that was rammed and boxed in by police during a chase last Monday.

He was killed by a single shot fired through the driver’s side of the car’s windscreen.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since launched a homicide investigation into his death and the officer involved in the shooting was suspended, it was reported on Monday.

Read more: Scottish MP who took train with covid sentenced to 270 hours community service

Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson said: "Following the death of Chris Kaba, the firearms officer involved has been suspended from duty.

"This decision has been reached following careful consideration of a number of factors, including the significant impact on public confidence, and in light of the Independent Office for Police Conduct announcing a homicide investigation.

"Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends. We understand how concerned communities are, particularly Black communities, and thank those who are working closely with our local officers.

"We are actively supporting the IOPC investigation and would ask those with information that could be useful in establishing what happened to contact the IOPC directly to maintain the independence of their investigation.

"The decision to suspend the officer does not determine the outcome of the IOPC investigation.

"Firearms officers serve to protect the public and know that on the rare occasions when they discharge their weapons, they will face intense scrutiny. I know this development will have a significant impact on the officer and colleagues."

Chris Kaba who was shot by polce
Chris Kaba who was shot by polce. Picture: family handout
Black Lives Matter protest take place in Whitehall after the police shooting of unarmed Chris Kaba
Black Lives Matter protest take place in Whitehall after the police shooting of unarmed Chris Kaba. Picture: Alamy

Read more: Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy found not guilty of one count of rape as trial continues

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I welcome this decision and am in regular contact with the IOPC and the new commissioner.

"My thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s loved ones at this intensely difficult time as the IOPC continue their independent homicide investigation."

Hundreds marched on Parliament on Saturday demanding justice for Mr Kaba.Members of his family were joined by supporters bearing placards proclaiming “justice for Chris Kaba”, “abolish the Met” and “no justice, no peace”.

On Monday Sir Mark Rowley officially started work as the Met's new commissioner and pledged to rebuild trust in the force on his first day in the job.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
Tzipi Hotovely on LBC

UK 'not going to be involved' in 'protecting' Israel during Iran conflict, Israeli ambassador confirms

Breaking
Abortion rights actvists gather outside the parliament in support of decriminalisation.

MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales in historic Commons vote

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is placed under arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents outside federal immigration court on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in New York.

New York mayoral candidate Brad Lander arrested and detained by ICE amid Donald Trump's immigration crackdown

Trump not planning to attack Iran, Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Trump 'not planning to attack Iran', Starmer insists as US President says he won't kill Supreme Leader 'for now'

Dame Katherine Grainger

Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger and former Cabinet Secretary Simon Case given peerages

Matheus Cunha signs his Manchester United contract

When does the summer 2025 transfer window open and close?

Iranian soldiers in Tehran. The country has one of the strongest armies in the Middle East

Does Iran have nuclear weapons and what is its military capability?

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer.

UK's first women-only tower block to open in west London next summer providing 'lifeline' to domestic abuse survivors

Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis (left) leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis.

Former Conservative MP pleads guilty to harassing ex-wife

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Man, 49, who 'went crazy' after taking crack cocaine jailed for 39 years following Christmas Day double murder

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison

Disgraced music mogul R. Kelly taken to hospital after 'overdosing' in prison - alleging prison staff are to blame

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney.

South London nurse struck off over 'sexually motivated' WhatsApps to colleague, claiming it was 'just banter'

Annabel Rook

Charity boss found stabbed to death in London home after police rushed to scene following 'gas explosion'

Exclusive
British Army soldiers gather outside the hospitality chalet of aerospace manufacturer Thales.

UK would ‘lose war with Russia’ in current setup, as Army chief calls for greater use of attack drones and missiles

Bethan James died on February 8, 2020, after alleged delays to treatment.

Ex-England cricketer’s daughter 'could have been saved' if medics didn't 'miss signs of sepsis', inquest hears

Woodburn's co-star Aggie Mackenzie has acknowledged the death by giving a statement.

Aggie MacKenzie breaks silence after death of 'tortured soul' Kim Woodburn decades on from pair's feud