Hartford Group Demands Firing of Officers in 2 Fatal Police Shootings

Community leaders call for accountability and policy changes after deaths of men in mental health crises

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:03pm

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A coalition of community and religious leaders in Hartford, Connecticut is calling for the firing of two police officers involved in the recent fatal shootings of two men who were reportedly dealing with mental health crises. The group is also demanding a review of police policies, strengthening the city's mental health crisis response system, and fully activating the Police Accountability Review Board.

Why it matters

These incidents have sparked outrage in the Hartford community, with concerns that police are not properly equipped to handle mental health-related calls and that there is a lack of accountability for officers involved in deadly use of force. The demands aim to address systemic issues and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

The shootings occurred within a week of each other, killing Everard Walker and Steven Jones. Both men were reportedly carrying knives during police responses and were in mental health crises when they were shot and killed by officers. The North Hartford Public Safety Coalition is now making several demands, including a community briefing, termination of the officers involved, a review of police policies, and strengthening the city's mental health crisis response.

  • The shootings happened within a week of each other in March 2026.
  • The community vigil at a church was held on Thursday in response to the police shootings.

The players

North Hartford Public Safety Coalition

A community group calling for accountability and policy changes after the fatal police shootings.

Everard Walker

One of the men killed in a police shooting while reportedly dealing with a mental health crisis.

Steven Jones

One of the men killed in a police shooting while reportedly dealing with a mental health crisis.

Arunan Arulampalam

The mayor of Hartford, who participated in a vigil and acknowledged the community's pain, though noting the city's hands are tied due to ongoing state investigations.

Josh Michtom

A Hartford City Councilor who suggested shifting police funding to social work and de-escalation instead of an "armed response" for many calls.

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What they’re saying

“Families are hurting, and we are simply asking this question: when will there be accountability?”

— Rev. Tracy Johnson Russell, St. Monica's Episcopal Church

“Almost every response is an armed response. And almost every call for help doesn't need a weapon.”

— Josh Michtom, Hartford City Councilor

“Broadly speaking, I would say that we hear the pain and the hurt of this community.”

— Arunan Arulampalam, Mayor of Hartford

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the officers involved to remain on the force pending the outcome of the state investigations.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for police departments to improve their response to mental health crises, with a focus on de-escalation and non-lethal force. It also underscores the importance of community oversight and accountability measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.