Statement on the shooting of Ma'Khia Bryant from Council President Shannon G. Hardin
[COLUMBUS, OH] The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin:
"As we watched the verdict from Minneapolis, many talked about a sigh of relief. However, there is no relief for so many in our community, and Columbus knows this first hand. While the Chauvin verdict was a moment of accountability, it coincided with another instance of deadly force. This is not right, this is not ok, and this can't continue.
Transparency is paramount right now, as shock turns to mourning. Body camera footage was released last night in the Ma'Khia Bryant shooting, and the 911 audio and other officers' body camera footage should be released as well.
We need to change the City's training and hiring process. We must push for a new culture in Columbus where guns are not the final answer to every threat, and we must implement a new vision of safety in Columbus. But the truth is that nothing we do will ever bring Ma'Khia Bryant back or console those who loved her, and that breaks my heart."