A British police officer was acquitted on Monday of murdering Chris Kaba, a Black man shot dead in London two years ago, a case that sparked significant protests and heightened tensions within the capital’s Black community.

Martyn Blake, 40, faced charges stemming from the incident in which Kaba, who was unarmed, was killed by a single gunshot to the head on September 5, 2022, in the Streatham area of south London. Following a three-week trial at the Old Bailey, a jury found Blake not guilty of murder.

The tragic event unfolded when police stopped Kaba’s vehicle, which had been linked to a shooting that occurred the previous evening. In an attempt to escape being boxed in by armed officers, Kaba accelerated his car, leading to Blake firing through the windshield.

During the trial, prosecutor Tom Little argued that Blake’s decision to shoot Kaba “was not reasonably justified or justifiable.” The jury ultimately disagreed, resulting in Blake’s acquittal, a verdict that has drawn mixed reactions from the public and activists alike.

The case has underscored ongoing concerns regarding police conduct, particularly in relation to the use of lethal force and its disproportionate impact on minority communities. The protests that followed Kaba’s death highlighted the frustrations and fears prevalent within these communities, further igniting debates about systemic racism and accountability within the police force.

As the verdict was delivered, many expressed disappointment, viewing it as a setback in the pursuit of justice for Kaba and his family. Advocacy groups have called for greater transparency and reform within the police to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The impact of Kaba’s death and the subsequent trial continues to resonate, serving as a reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and change regarding police practices in the UK.