Protesters have demanded answers from Western Australia police following the death of a 29-year-old Yamatji woman who was shot and killed overnight in Geraldton, 400 kilometres north of Perth.
Roughly 100 people gathered outside Geraldton Police Station including Ms Dhu’s grandmother, Carol Roe, who told local media that she couldn’t sleep following the news of another black death.
“We all want justice and we want the police held accountable,” she said.
Police asked protesters to be peaceful and later lowered the Aboriginal flag to half-mast.
Regional WA Police Commander Alan Morton confirmed police were on route to a disturbance in the suburb of Karloo when officers encountered the young woman.
There had been unconfirmed reports that the woman was armed with a knife, though police would not comment and also would not confirm how many officers were on the scene when she was shot.
He said the incident was “traumatic for everyone” and expressed condolences to the family.
“Our number one priority is to reassure and support the family,” said Commander Morton.
“No one expects to commence duty and have to use lethal force in the execution of that duty. Tragically that was not the case for the officer last night.”
Commander Morton would not state why police used a lethal weapon over a non-lethal weapon and said it would be determined in the investigation.
Today the victim’s family travelled 100 kilometres from Mullewa to Geraldton to speak to police. NITV News understands the young woman is survived by a 7-year-old child.
The family is being supported by the National Suicide Trauma Recovery Project.
The National Justice Project's principal solicitor and Human Right's lawyer, George Newhouse, will also assist the family
WA Police said they are working hard to prevent any overnight riots in the regional town and again asked for calm.
The police officer at the centre of the investigation is on immediate leave.
