Faith leaders, community activists rally around family of Kadir Skinner after deadly police shooting

Updated 3 hours ago
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- Faith leaders and community activists are rallying around the family of a 19-year-old who was shot and killed by a police officer in Wilmington, Delaware.

Calls for accountability are intensifying after Kadir Skinner was killed at 24th and Jessup Streets on June 24.

Clergy members say there's been a lack of transparency, a need for an independent investigation, and reform of the Wilmington Police Department.

About a dozen pastors from around Wilmington, Delaware spoke out Tuesday about the handling of the Skinner's killing during a virtual press conference.

RELATED: Family of man fatally shot by Wilmington police call for transparency as investigation continues

This comes after body camera video was released last Thursday by the state's Department of Justice and the Wilmington Police Department.

Body camera video shows an officer drawing and firing his weapon, while yelling commands.

In the footage, an officer can be heard saying, "He's got a gun," as they approach Skinner, who is on the ground.



After getting shot in the rear, Skinner repeatedly tells officers he is unarmed and says he cannot breathe.

In the footage, an officer can also be heard saying, "Secure the gun," and the officer wearing one of the body cams says, "I have it."



However, it took officers nearly three minutes to realize Skinner had been hit and call for medics.

What the video doesn't show is what police say led to the chase, or the teen holding a gun.

"Regardless if he had a gun or not, he was still shot in the back, running from police, not having been a threat," attorney Harry Daniels said.

Attorney Chance Lynch said the footage showed "an unjustified killing."

ALSO SEE: Family releases witness video after 19-year-old fatally shot by police in Wilmington

Attorneys for the family contend the video disputes the police version of events. Wilmington police previously said Skinner came out of a home armed and waved a gun at a crowd before officers opened fire.



"The video that I saw, I didn't see a crowd, and I did not see Kadir coming out of a residence. I did not see a crowd, and I did not see Kadir pointing a firearm at a crowd," Lynch said.

Attorneys and the family maintain that Skinner was running from a loose dog.

The family also announced a $25 million claim against the city of Wilmington for wrongful death. They are seeking criminal charges against the officer who shot Skinner.

The Delaware Department of Justice is investigating.



The clergy says they're organizing a rally for justice on August 24.

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