YWCA Statement on the Death of Colin Jennings

YWCA Columbus extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Colin Jennings, who was killed last week by Columbus Police. Colin Jennings was a 26-year-old queer, Black man who was experiencing a mental health crisis and instead of receiving the help he needed, Colin was killed within minutes of the officers’ arrival.

This senseless loss of life is continued evidence of the failures of our current public safety system and of the racism and ableism perpetuated by the institution of policing. State-sanctioned violence is NOT community safety. We refuse to accept that our neighbors are forced to weigh the risk that engaging with police may pose to their safety when calling for help. Our city’s response to crisis must meet the needs of residents, especially those experiencing mental health emergencies, with community and health-based support.

For years, we have advocated with the Columbus Safety Collective to invest in a dedicated, community-led nonpolice response program at the city level. Calling for help during a mental health crisis should not lead to an encounter with the police, let alone a fatal one. Colin Jennings deserved to be treated with dignity and get the help he needed. We demand better.