UPDATE: An Aboriginal teenager’s shocking gunpoint arrest in Canberra has ignited a firestorm of outrage over allegations of racial profiling and police brutality. The incident, which occurred on November 12, has drawn condemnation from family members and Indigenous community leaders, who are demanding accountability from the police.
The 17-year-old boy was traveling on a bus to visit family when police cars abruptly stopped the vehicle. Eyewitnesses report that armed officers drew their weapons, forcibly removed the teenager, and handcuffed him before realizing they had the wrong individual. “That is not policing, that is abuse,” his family stated. They emphasized that this incident exemplifies “police brutality and racial profiling at its finest.”
In a powerful statement to the media, the boy’s aunties, Mikaila McEwan and Kristie Peters, described the traumatic experience. “The officers pointed a gun at him, dragged him out, and slammed him onto the ground, causing him pain and difficulty breathing,” they said. Despite admitting the mistake, police reportedly continued to search him.
Authorities confirmed they were responding to reports of a person with a knife in Woden and acted on information that a suspect matched the boy’s description. Police acknowledged the distress caused by the incident, stating, “We apologize for this.” They emphasized that officers aimed to prevent a potentially dangerous situation in a heavily populated area.
The family is now calling for an investigation into the officers involved, demanding that they be stood down during the inquiry process. They also seek access to body-worn camera footage and a formal apology for the racial profiling.
Indigenous community advocates have expressed outrage over this incident. Julie Tongs, chief executive of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, stated, “I’m appalled, it’s absolutely disgusting.” She questioned whether similar actions would have been taken if the situation involved a bus full of white children.
Acting ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young Peoples Commissioner Barbara Causon highlighted the broader implications, noting that such incidents adversely influence how young people perceive police. “This innocent young boy was not safe,” she remarked, emphasizing the trauma inflicted by this encounter.
Police have since met with the teenager and his family to discuss the incident, and a formal complaint has been lodged for review by the Australian Federal Police’s professional standards command.
As this developing story unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of racial profiling and police conduct. The calls for accountability and reform are growing louder, signaling a crucial moment for change.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as it continues to develop.
