Makaya Bryant
Makaya Bryant, 16, was shot and killed by a Columbus police officer.
On April 20, 2021, Makaya Bryant called the police because someone in her house was abusing her. Arriving police encountered a chaotic scene of several people on the front lawn where Bryant, brandishing a knife, charged toward one person. According to her aunt, she took a knife to defend herself and she had no intention of harming anyone, especially the police.
Bryant was shot by a police officer 4-5 times. According to a witness, the white officer who shot her did not tell her to put down the knife before firing the bullet. Bryant was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Shooting of Makaya Bryant led to protests across Columbus. Crowds demanded justice for Bryant. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has opened an investigation.
In July 2021, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has completed its review of the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Makaya Bryant by Columbus Police Officer and has referred the case to Franklin County Prosecutor.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“BCI will conduct a fully independent investigation, which will be made public. If an officer has violated policy or the law, if they have, they will be held accountable,” said the city’s public safety director Ned Pettus.
“She was a good kid. She was loving,” said Ma’Khia’s aunt Hazel Bryant. “She was 16 years old. She didn’t deserve to die like a dog in the street.”
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.
