Akron, Ohio Boards Up Ahead of Jayland Walker Grand Jury Decision

Businesses and buildings have boarded up in Akron, Ohio, ahead of a grand jury decision on whether to indict police officers in the 2022 shooting and killing of Jayland Walker.

The grand jury selection began on Monday, and once selected the panel hears evidence from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. They will then decide whether criminal charges should be filed in the case.

Walker, 25 at the time of his death on June 27th, 2022, was killed after a police chase in Akron, Ohio. His death sparked protests and unrest in the city last summer, with a mix of peaceful demonstrations, acts of vandalism and property damage, and dozens of arrests.

The city is bracing for reaction to the grand jury’s decision, with fencing up around the Akron Police station and Summit County Courthouse in Downtown Akron. A designated “Demonstration Zone” is being created along High Street, with barricades placed along a few blocks near the courthouse, police station and Akron City Hall.