FOR THE second night, hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets of Philadelphia after a 27-year-old Black man was shot and killed by police officers.

Walter Wallace’s family lawyer said an ambulance had been called to help him with a mental health crisis. But the police arrived instead. 

Protesters gathered at Malcolm X Park chanting “Black Lives Matter” and “Say his name, Walter Wallace!”

After protestors marched to the police station, they were confronted by officers who stood in line with riot shields behind metal barricades. 

Walter Wallace was a father of seven, who had just got married earlier this month. His wife is pregnant. He had bipolar disorder, and his wife had shared this information with police officers on the scene.

He was shot several times. Officers say they shot him because he would not drop a knife he was holding.

The officers have not been publicly identified, but they have been taken off duty pending an investigation.

His father, Walter Wallace Sr, said: “Why didn’t they use a taser?

“His mother was trying to diffuse the situation. He has mental issues. Why you have to gun him down?”

Solidarity

Many expressed solidarity with protestors on Twitter.

Akela Lacy wrote: “Having a mental health crisis should not be a death sentence.”

Fighting back tears, the eldest of Walter’s three sons spoke during a press conference. 

In the heartbreaking clip, the young child said:“White, racists cops got my own dad. Black lives still matter.” 

The family of Walter Wallace have since opened a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs, and child support. At time of writing the crowdfunding campaign has raised over $120,000.