Statement regarding release of bodycam video of Walter Wallace Jr.’s killing by police — November 4, 2020

The body camera videos and 911 calls released today confirm what we already knew to be true: Walter Wallace Jr. lost his life unnecessarily. From beginning to end, PPD appeared to be ill-equipped to handle the situation. Officers made no attempt at de-escalation and acted hastily, using the highest level of force available to them.

Walter Wallace Jr. was a Black man, and this incident demonstrates that Black lives are still not protected equally in our city. Unless we address the racism that is at the root of tragedies like these, we’re bound to repeat history over and over again.

What Philadelphia needs right now is healing, reconciliation, and change. We need our public leadership to better understand the pain and trauma that Black communities are experiencing in the wake of this tragedy, and we as a city must commit to prioritizing efforts to improve police-community relations over the long term.

The PPD operational reforms that were announced at this afternoon’s press conference are a start, and I thank the Mayor for honoring his commitment to transparency by sharing the body camera footage. I encourage him and the District Attorney to carry out a swift and thorough investigation. I also believe our city leadership must embark on a compassionate engagement effort with our communities, and conduct the listening necessary to truly create change.

We must deliver justice and accountability to the family of Walter Wallace Jr., to the Cobbs Creek community, and to all Black residents of our city.