Jul 7, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Relatives of Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor arrested at Akron police shooting protests

Julia Shapero

Troopers in riot gear watch as demonstrators gather outside Akron City Hall to protest the killing of Jayland Walker. Photo: Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images

Relatives of Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor were arrested on Wednesday while protesting the fatal police shooting of Jayland Walker in Akron, Ohio, ABC News reported.

The big picture: Like Walker, Blake and Taylor were both victims of police shootings. All three incidents have sparked protests over law enforcement's use of force against Black Americans.

Walker, a 25-year-old Black man, was killed during an attempted traffic stop on June 27. Police said Walker fled the traffic stop and fired a shot at police.
Civil unrest erupted in Akron after body camera footage was released. Officers fired more than 90 times at Walker, who was struck by at least 60 bullets.

Driving the news: Blake's father Jacob Blake Sr. and Taylor's aunt Bianca Austin were arrested on rioting charges, according to ABC.

Blake and Austin were not arrested together, per ABC.

Background: Blake was shot seven times in the back by a white police officer, leaving him paralyzed. The police officers involved did not face charges.

Taylor was killed by police who entered her apartment without warning using a "no-knock" warrant. While some officers were fired, none faced criminal charges, according to NPR.

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Relatives of Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor arrested at Akron police shooting protests

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