Ministry of Defence Offers Military Assistance to London Police Following Handover of Weapons by Armed Met Officers
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has extended its assistance to London’s law enforcement by offering the support of armed soldiers. This gesture comes in the wake of over 100 Metropolitan Police officers voluntarily surrendering their firearms permits.
The Metropolitan Police took this unusual step in response to the recent charges laid against one of their officers in connection with the tragic killing of 24-year-old Chris Kaba, who was unarmed at the time of the incident. Mr. Kaba lost his life after being shot in South London last year. The Met Police officer charged in the case appeared in court last Thursday.
The Home Office formally requested Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) from the MoD. This request seeks to secure routine counterterrorism contingency support for the Metropolitan Police in case such assistance becomes necessary.
In an official statement addressing the situation, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged that some of their officers expressed concerns following the murder charge against one of their own, particularly an officer with sharpshooting skills.
This development comes on the heels of Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s call for a comprehensive review of armed policing in response to this crisis. Braverman emphasized the vital role played by courageous firearms officers in safeguarding the public. She noted that these officers must make critical decisions under intense pressure and in split-second moments.
The Home Secretary reaffirmed her unwavering support for the officers, stating, “I will do everything in my power to support them.”
Tragically, Mr. Kaba lost his life during a police operation in Streatham Hill on September 5, 2022. He sustained a fatal gunshot wound when a Metropolitan Police officer fired into the vehicle he was driving. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries the following day. It was revealed during an inquest that Mr. Kaba, a construction worker, was on the verge of becoming a father at the time of his untimely death, sparking a series of protests in response.