The family of George Nkencho has asked the Dublin Coroner to consider the wider implications of a young black man being shot by gardai.
They were speaking as the inquest opened into the death of the 27 year old, who was shot dead by gardai in Clonee last year.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Dublin Coroner’s Court as the inquest into the death of George Nkencho opened.
The 27 year old was shot dead by gardai last December while allegedly brandishing a knife – he suffered from mental health problems.
Today the inquest heard GSOC is carrying out an investigation into the shooting and hasn’t interviewed any of the gardai yet who used force on the day.
The investigation will take until at least until the end of the year and as a result the inquest was adjourned for six months.
George’s family said they understood but asked the Coroner to not only consider the specifics of George’s death - but the wider implications of a young black man dying at the hands of a white police officer.
Speaking outside the inquest, his sister Grateful said they have many unanswered questions, while George’s family repeated their calls for a public inquiry.
