Tuesday April 22, 2025
35-year-old Somali refugee Abdifatah Ahmed was shot dead by police in Footscray on Thursday. Picture: Supplied
MELBOURNE, Australia (HOL) — Hundreds of protesters gathered in Melbourne's inner-west on Tuesday following the fatal police shooting of Abdifatah Ahmed, a 35-year-old Somali refugee known to have experienced mental illness and homelessness.
Ahmed was shot and killed by two officers on April 17 near the intersection of Albert and Paisley streets in Footscray after police responded to a triple-zero call reporting a man armed with a knife. Victoria Police said Ahmed refused commands to drop the weapon and charged at officers, prompting both to open fire. He died at the scene despite efforts by paramedics.
Victoria Police said the officers—identified as a sergeant and a constable—were not equipped with Tasers at the time. The officers are currently on leave as the Homicide Squad conducts an investigation under the oversight of the Professional Standards Command. The case is also expected to be reviewed by the coroner.
"This is something no police officer wants to be involved in when they come to work," Victoria Police said in a statement. "They were faced with an extremely volatile and high-risk situation and had only moments to act," insisting, "We strongly reject any claims that this matter was racially motivated."
The shooting has reverberated across Melbourne's African and Muslim communities, with many arguing that Ahmed's death underscores long-standing issues of Victoria Police's use-of-force policies, racial profiling, and the failure of public health systems to support vulnerable individuals.
"He needed care, kindness and support—not to be met with deadly force," said Farah Warsame, president of Somali Community Inc. "Abdifatah was a son, a brother, and a young man in visible distress."
On Tuesday, about 200 people marched down Nicholson and Paisley streets in Footscray holding signs that read "Black Lives Matter," "Mental Health Needs Care, Not Bullets," and "Justice for Abdifatah." A smaller candlelight vigil had been held the Friday before, drawing roughly 80 people near the site of the shooting.
Footscray protesters held signs with Mr Ahmed’s face on them that read ‘Abdifatah needed support, not bullets’ after police shot dead 35-year-old Abdifatah Ahmed. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire
Victoria Police has been forced to defend two officers against allegations of racial profiling as hundreds of protesters gather at the scene of a fatal police shooting in Footscray, protesting the death of Somali refugee Abdifatah Ahmed. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire
Among the speakers was Dr. Berhan Ahmed, head of the advocacy group Africause, who said Ahmed would often visit his office seeking help. "To be honest, he was a gentleman," he told ABC News. "These kids are victims of an institutional system. They need mental health treatment—not bullets."
Community leaders also questioned why police did not use less-lethal options such as pepper spray or Tasers. While Victoria Police has committed to equipping all frontline officers with Tasers by September 2026, only about 60 percent currently have access to them.
Tensions escalated briefly during Tuesday's protest when a group of roughly 30 demonstrators clashed with police, reportedly throwing bottles. No injuries or arrests were reported.
The City of Maribyrnong, where Footscray is located, issued a statement supporting community calls for an independent investigation. "We remain committed to a partnership-based approach with our community leaders," the council said, "seeking long-term solutions to the social and mental health challenges impacting Footscray."
The shooting occurred days after Victoria Police had announced increased patrols in Footscray, citing rising concerns from local businesses about crime and antisocial behaviour. A now-deleted media release from April 11 had warned that officers would be "out in force" in the area.
Community leaders have questioned the timing and tone of the police operation, suggesting it may have contributed to an overly aggressive response. "We are not coming here to kill our children," said one protester. "We came here for a better life."