Residents Stage Early Protest Over Police Shooting of Kahleel Simon
A small group of residents gathered outside Police Headquarters on Friday despite the postponement of a planned protest by the family of Kahleel Simon, who was shot dead by police several weeks ago.
Simon, a 23-year-old from Bolans, was killed in circumstances his relatives insist were unjust. The family alleges that the officer involved opened fire without “giving him a chance” and has renewed calls for accountability.
Although Monday at noon has been set for the main demonstration, several people still appeared outside the station on Friday, apparently unaware of the rescheduling. Holding placards, they voiced frustration over the lack of action and pressed for justice in Simon’s case.
The family maintains that Monday’s protest will go ahead as planned, with a larger turnout expected as they continue their push for answers and action against the officer involved.
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Justice must not only be done but seen to be done
Gangsta teenager. Go and bury you all ded!!!!
Let me just say this. As a young university student, this tragedy is another painful reminder of why we need stronger systems of accountability in Antigua and Barbuda when it comes to police-citizen interactions. A young man has lost his life, and his family deserves clear answers, not vague promises. The community needs to know precisely what happened: Was there a genuine threat? Were proper protocols followed? Too many times in cases like this, families are left fighting for information, and the lack of transparency only deepens mistrust between the police and the public. The authorities should act quickly to conduct a full, independent investigation, share the findings openly, and if mistakes were made take corrective action. This is not about vilifying the police, but about ensuring justice and fairness, so that both citizens and law enforcement can trust each other going forward
While emotions are understandably high, this is also a moment for us to step back and look at the bigger picture. If we continue to see these incidents where young men are shot by police, then we have to ask: what systems are missing? Do officers have adequate training in de-escalation? Are body cameras being used to document confrontations? Are there independent oversight mechanisms in place so that investigations don’t feel like the police are simply policing themselves? These are constructive steps that could prevent future tragedies. The family’s demand for justice is valid, but as a society we should also be pushing for reforms that make both citizens and police safer in the long run. The goal should be fewer confrontations, less use of deadly force, and more confidence in our justice syste
Comment *guess they didn’t get the momo that this was off
Postponed or not, the fight for Kahleel’s justice cannot stop. Too many families are left without closure.
Boots on ground dont work anymore. If i say what works AntiguanewsROOM will delete my comments
When incidents like this occur, they don’t just affect the immediate family, they ripple out across the entire society. Look at all the way down Bolans and the people are here in the rain. Many young people in communities like Bolans and don’t talk bout Grays farm are already wary of the police, and when someone is killed under disputed circumstances, it widens the gap between law enforcement and the public. For policing to work effectively, there must be trust. Protests like the one planned for Khaleel Simon are not just about anger they are also cries for reassurance that the lives of young men in this country matter, and that their deaths will not be brushed aside. The authorities have an opportunity here: by handling this case with transparency, compassion, and fairness, they can start to rebuild trust and show the community that justice applies to everyone