Protesters call for impartial probe

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Dozens of demonstrators protesting the fatal police shooting of a 13-year-old black boy brought a city council meeting to a halt Monday in Columbus as they called for an independent investigation.

Police have said Tyre King was shot multiple times on Sept. 14 after he ran from a white officer investigating a reported armed robbery and pulled out a BB gun that looked like a real firearm.

Protesters packed the council chambers of Columbus City Hall, where they shouted down the council president and briefly took over the front portion of the room. City Council president Zach Klein said attendees would have a chance to speak, but his comments were drowned out by chants of “Take a knee for Tyre,” “Black lives matter” and “No justice, no peace.”

As the shouting continued, council members left the room and at least a dozen police officers entered.

The officers, along with Chief Kim Jacobs, quietly observed as protesters called for action from the city.

“We want an independent investigation and transparent prosecution!” shouted one protester to cheers.

Demonstrators said they don’t trust the police to investigate themselves, and they want money from a police initiative to be diverted to violence prevention and other programs.