Akron Police Department receiving multiple threats, according to mayor

AKRON — Mayor Shammas Malik confirmed that threats have been made against the Akron Police Department following the police shooting of 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker.

The teen, who was armed, was shot and killed by police on Thanksgiving.

In a statement, Malik said he was aware of “threats against specific officers and the entire police department,” and that these threats are being actively investigated.

“When tragedies like this occur, our city government has a responsibility to be transparent in sharing information and records, and we also have a responsibility to the safety of our employees and their families,” Malik wrote in a social media post.

“I take both of these with the utmost seriousness. As we continue to release records in response to this incident, we will also continue to evaluate any and all threats, and where they constitute criminal conduct, we will work to hold those making threats accountable.”

The city has not identified the officers involved in Tucker’s shooting, continuing a policy seen in other cases, such as the 2022 police killing of 23-year-old Jayland Walker.

The incident has drawn criticism and sparked concerns about transparency and accountability.

The investigation into Tucker’s death and the threats against the police department is ongoing.