Title
Memorializing and honoring the life of the late Walter Wallace, Jr., and recognizing the adoption of police reforms inspired by his death and the activism in his name.
Body
WHEREAS, On October 26, 2020, 27-year-old Walter Wallace, Jr., was fatally shot by officers from the Philadelphia Police Department responding to a call made to 911; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace's family had reported that Walter Wallace was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of his death; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace was loved as a father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and cousin, and remembered as an aspiring musician, a handyman, an avid learner, a prankster, and a family man who enjoyed sports and exuded warmth and charisma; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace's death is one in a series of deaths of Black men and women that resulted from encounters with police and which have spurred protests demanding police reform in Philadelphia and across our nation; and
WHEREAS, Day after day following Mr. Wallace's tragic passing, residents of and visitors to Philadelphia took to the street to peacefully demonstrate in honor of Mr. Wallace's life, set up memorials in his honor, and call for police reforms in his name; and
WHEREAS, Numerous resolutions were introduced by this legislative body in the days following Mr. Wallace's death, calling for hearings on non-violent police interventions, de-escalation tactics, and crisis intervention, particularly with respect to police calls engaging with individuals experiencing distress due to behavioral health challenges; and
WHEREAS, In response to Mr. Wallace's tragic death and his family's calls for immediate reform, City Council has expedited the passing of, and the Mayor has signed, a budget item for the immediate purchase of and training on tasers for all uniformed police officers; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace's death highlighted the urgent need for additional support for those with behavioral health challenges and their families, resulting in ...
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