UK: Hundreds of Met police officers give up arms, patrol duties after colleague charged for rapper's murder

Many Metropolitan Police firearms officers have given up their guns in protest against the decision to accuse one of their colleagues of murdering rapper Chris Kaba, according to reports. Kaba, aged 24, lost his life in Streatham Hill, in the south-east of London, last September when he was shot through a car windscreen. The marksman facing the murder allegation, referred to only as NX121 due to a court order protecting their identity, appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the Old Bailey on Thursday. Scotland Yard has confirmed that “a number of officers have chosen to step away from their armed duties while they think about their situation,” and noted that this number has grown in the past 48 hours. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressed understanding for the anxiety among firearms officers following the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service. He said that he met with 70 of them “to reflect on the events of this week” and acknowledged why many are contemplating the potential consequences of their rapid decisions, made years earlier, now subject to scrutiny, and the toll this might take on them and their families. Tony Long, a former Metropolitan Police firearms officer who was cleared of the 2005 killing of Azelle Rodney, voiced widespread concern among officers that NX121 might lose anonymity. He also conveyed feelings of betrayal due to a perceived lack of support from Scotland Yard’s senior management. Reports suggest that the capital is now left with a minimal armed police presence, prompting the Yard to consider seeking assistance from other counties under mutual aid agreements and from the military. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated, “Senior officers, including the Commissioner, have been meeting with firearms officers in recent days as they reflect on the CPS decision to charge NX121 with murder. Many are concerned about how this decision affects them, their colleagues, and their families. They fear it signals a change in how their actions in the most challenging situations will be judged. As a result, a growing number of officers have decided to step back from their armed duties. We are in ongoing discussions with these officers to support them and to fully comprehend their legitimate concerns.” The spokesperson further emphasized that the Met still maintains a significant firearms capability and continues to deploy armed officers across London, including at locations such as Parliament, diplomatic premises, and airports. Their primary goal remains the safety of the public, and they are closely monitoring the situation while considering contingency plans if necessary.