Met Police 'to down arms in protest' if Chris Kaba murder suspect is identified

26 September 2023 , 21:04

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Chris Kaba was unarmed when he was shot and killed through a car windscreen (Image: PA)

Met Police firearm officers are said to be planning a downing of guns if the suspect on trial for murdering Chris Kaba is publicly identified.

Dad-to-be Mr Kaba was unarmed when he was shot once in the head and killed as he drove an Audi in Streatham Hill, south London, in September last year. A Met Officer, so far identified only as NX121 shot him before he was charged with murder last week. The killing sparked outrage and led to protests and an inquest into the death. As the legal proceedings began, the Met Office was granted an interim anonymity order by a district judge.

But this could be lifted at a hearing at the Old Bailey on October 4, leading to the officer being named publicly. However, after the charges were first brought against the officer, armed officers handed in their guns amidst the fallout and now are reportedly threatening to do so once more.

Prosper Kaba and Helen Lumuanganu, outside the Old Bailey in London, where a Metropolitan Police officer is charged with the murder of their 24-year-old son (PA)

Sky News reported that one firearms officer claimed to them that many officers were considering handing in their weapons if the anonymity order is lifted as they protest the treatment of one of their own. He said: "The anonymity hearing will determine what happens. If he loses his anonymity, then serious questions will be asked. I haven't handed my firearm in yet, but I would if that happens - and there are many others that would do the same."

The protest was confirmed by two other firearm officers. Whilst it is standard court procedure for anyone accused of a crime to be named publicly in an open court. The legal team for NX121 made an application for them to remain anonymous. Officers were following the Audi which Mr Kaba was driving after they had linked it to a gun incident the previous day. Mr Kaba was unarmed when he was shot and killed.

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A Met Police spokesman previously said: “Many are worried about how the decision impacts on them, on their colleagues and on their families. They are concerned that it signals a shift in the way the decisions they make in the most challenging circumstances will be judged. A number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position. That number has increased over the past 48 hours.”

Chris Kaba is remembered by his family and their supporters by a march from Scotland Yard to Parliament in Westminster on September 9, this year (Getty Images)

According to the BBC, more than 100 police officers have surrendered their tickets, an accreditation allowing them to carry firearms while on duty. The Met is providing support to officers who have withdrawn from firearms duties to help them "fully understand the genuinely held concerns that they have".

A spokesperson said at the time: “The Met has a significant firearms capability and we continue to have armed officers deployed in communities across London as well as at other sites including Parliament, diplomatic premises, airports etc. Our priority is to keep the public safe. We are closely monitoring the situation and are exploring contingency options, should they be required.” Officers from neighbouring forces stepped up to help patrol the capital on Saturday night to deal with the police walkout.

The Met Police declined to comment.

Kieren Williams