Hamilton residents rally for justice after fatal police shooting

The shooting death of Erixon Kabera in Hamilton continues to spark outrage. Tonight, we hear from a crime analyst who weighs in on the SIU’s handling of the case and its impact on public trust in policing.

Tensions were high at last night’s rally following conflicting reports about the events surrounding Kabera’s death. Questions continue to mount about Ontario’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, and its handling of the case.

Patrick Watson, an expert on police-community interactions, says public perception of this incident is tied to a broader history of negative police interactions with racialized communities.

Today, the SIU confirmed to CHCH News that a replica firearm was recovered in the hallway outside Kabera’s apartment, where the fatal shooting occurred.

The Hamilton Police Board approved body cameras earlier this year, but they won’t be deployed until 2025.

Even if body camera footage had been available, Watson says answers are unlikely to come quickly. If charges are laid against the officers involved, criminal proceedings could take years to conclude.