Overview

• Abdifatah Ahmed, 35, was fatally shot by Victoria Police officers on April 17, after allegedly charging at them with a knife in Footscray, Melbourne.
• Hundreds of protesters, including members of Somali and African-Australian communities, marched through Footscray Mall calling for justice and systemic reforms.
• Protesters demand the release of body-worn camera footage and an independent investigation into the shooting, which is currently under review by the Homicide Squad and Professional Standards Command.
• Criticism grows over the lack of Tasers among responding officers, with Victoria Police confirming only 60% of frontline officers are equipped as part of a rollout set to finish by September 2026.
• Community leaders highlight broader issues of racial profiling, over-policing, and inadequate culturally appropriate mental health interventions in African-Australian communities.