The police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Indigenous 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker has been found to have "racist" tendencies and a penchant for adrenaline-fueled policing by a coroner's inquest. Walker was shot three times by Constable Zachary Rolfe during an attempted arrest in Yuendumu in 2019. Rolfe, who has since left the police force, was acquitted of murder charges in 2022, sparking public outcry over Indigenous deaths in custody.
Judge Elisabeth Armitage presented her findings in an open-air gathering in Yuendumu, stating that Walker's death was "avoidable" and highlighting a culture of "entrenched, systemic and structural racism" within the police department. Armitage emphasized that Rolfe was part of a broader pattern of institutional racism, asserting that racist attitudes were pervasive within the Alice Springs police, rather than isolated incidents.
On the night of the shooting, Rolfe was one of two officers attempting to arrest Walker, who was described as a "vulnerable teenager" with a past of trauma. After a confrontation escalated, Walker allegedly stabbed Rolfe with scissors, prompting the officer to fire his weapon without warning, a reaction that prosecutors deemed excessive.
The inquest revealed Rolfe's flawed decision-making that placed both himself and the situation in danger, noting his past military experiences influenced his actions. Following the shooting, the handling of Walker's body raised ethical concerns, with Armitage criticizing the "disrespectful" treatment he received.
The coroner's report included 32 recommendations aimed at reforming police practices, emphasizing the need for anti-racism strategies and community-based protocols, especially regarding armed police presence in Yuendumu.
Walker's family expressed their grief while reflecting on the findings, and NT Police acknowledged the inquest's significance in addressing systemic issues within law enforcement. As the community mourns and seeks change, the implications of this ruling resonate deeply across Australia, spotlighting the urgent need for reform in policing and justice for Indigenous peoples.
Judge Elisabeth Armitage presented her findings in an open-air gathering in Yuendumu, stating that Walker's death was "avoidable" and highlighting a culture of "entrenched, systemic and structural racism" within the police department. Armitage emphasized that Rolfe was part of a broader pattern of institutional racism, asserting that racist attitudes were pervasive within the Alice Springs police, rather than isolated incidents.
On the night of the shooting, Rolfe was one of two officers attempting to arrest Walker, who was described as a "vulnerable teenager" with a past of trauma. After a confrontation escalated, Walker allegedly stabbed Rolfe with scissors, prompting the officer to fire his weapon without warning, a reaction that prosecutors deemed excessive.
The inquest revealed Rolfe's flawed decision-making that placed both himself and the situation in danger, noting his past military experiences influenced his actions. Following the shooting, the handling of Walker's body raised ethical concerns, with Armitage criticizing the "disrespectful" treatment he received.
The coroner's report included 32 recommendations aimed at reforming police practices, emphasizing the need for anti-racism strategies and community-based protocols, especially regarding armed police presence in Yuendumu.
Walker's family expressed their grief while reflecting on the findings, and NT Police acknowledged the inquest's significance in addressing systemic issues within law enforcement. As the community mourns and seeks change, the implications of this ruling resonate deeply across Australia, spotlighting the urgent need for reform in policing and justice for Indigenous peoples.
