Calgary police sit down with South Sudanese community, Latjor Tuel family after fatal shooting

After a Calgary man was shot and killed by police last month, the Calgary Police Service says it has sat down with the man’s family to have an open discussion about the incident that took Latjor Tuel’s life.

On Feb. 19, police responded to reports of an assault along 17 Avenue southeast in the community of Forest Lawn.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team said Tuel was holding a stick and a knife and posed a potential threat to the public. Upon arrival to the scene within minutes Tuel was fatally shot by police and as a result, lost his life.

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In a follow-up news conference, Calgary police said they attempted to deescalate the crisis situation prior to the shooting.

Family and friends disagree and said Tuel, a Black man, was in mental distress, having had a history of trauma as a refugee from South Sudan. His loved ones mentioned that the behaviour of police was unwarranted.

Since Tuel’s death, protests have broken out in Calgary, noting he was in need of assistance as a vulnerable person.

Earlier this week, Calgary Police responded to the backlash by sitting down one-on-one with Tuel’s family and loved ones and also to offer their sympathies to the South Sudanese community in Calgary and offer any support to those impacted by this tragedy.

Please see the following statement in relation to a recent meeting between members of the Calgary Police Service executive and Latjor TUEL's family. #yyc pic.twitter.com/ryNDc7G8ud

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) March 2, 2022

The conversation was “emotional, meaningful and at times difficult,” said Calgary police in a release.

CPS also acknowledged the request made by leaders in the South Sudanese community who said there are already existing challenges in the city, especially in relation to the criminal justice system. They note a lack of mental health support and resources for ethnic minorities, including for youth.

“There were a number of takeaways from the meeting which participants have agreed to work on moving forward,” CPS said.

CPS says it hopes to “rebuild trust and confidence and redouble efforts to strengthen the South Sudanese and Calgary Police Service relationship.”