PROTESTS CONTINUED in Dublin following the fatal shooting of George Nkencho by gardai earlier this week.
The 27-year-old was shot at least three times outside his home near Clonee, West Dublin, by officers from the Blanchardstown Armed Support Unit (ASU).
Officers were responding to reports of man armed with a knife who was allegedly seen threatening supermarket staff and several gardaí.
The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Gardai insist the incident was part of a “graduated policing response” that followed officers being threatened with a knife.
Pepper spray and taser guns had reportedly already been deployed as attempts at use of less-than-lethal force but proved unsuccessful in de-escalating the situation.
The incident has sparked protests in Dublin led by Emmanuel Nkencho, George’s brother, who is calling for a full investigation into the incident, noting that his sibling had mental health issues.
It has also sparked debate over the notion of racial profiling by Gardai in Ireland.
Vigil in Dublin today for George Nkencho, a young Black man shot dead by gardaí attempting to arrest him, in the front garden of his home. Many young people spoke of their own experiences being racially profiled or threatened by gardaí in Ireland. An outpouring of pain and grief. pic.twitter.com/pAa6HyenUZ
— Caelainn Hogan (@CaelainnH) January 1, 2021
Emmanuel was pictured leading the latest protests with a placard that read #JusticeForGeorge – a hashtag that was trending on Twitter in Ireland in the aftermath of the demonstrations.
A vigil was also held with many present sharing stories of their own experiences with Irish police.
Demonstrations have taken place outside Blanchardstown Garda station, with some protestors pledging to gather there every day for two weeks until they get justice for George.
In the meantime, the GSOC has requested that anyone with information relating to the incident come forward.
