SENATOBIA, Miss. — For the second time this week, the Walmart store in Senatobia was closed Saturday through the end of the day following a shooting involving law enforcement that left a 1-year-old boy dead.
“Any additional updates regarding store openings and operations will be shared via the store’s Facebook page,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement.
The closure comes less than a week after a the shooting outside the store claimed the life of o1-year-old Kohen Wiley.
Activists say they hope the store’s closure draws attention to their calls for transparency.
“We’re fighting back initially to use our economic power and to target theirs,” said Marquell Bridges, organizer of Building Bridges Coalition.
Bridges, who was speaking for the child’s father on Saturday, says they all want justice for baby Kohen and they want to send a message to officials.
Bridges said he wants to send a message to Walmart, and says one way supporters can do that is by leveraging their purchasing power and choosing not to shop with the corporation.
“The time for sugarcoating is over. Whoever you are, whatever you are, whatever you do behind closed doors — it’s time to come out into the light. I’m so tired of cops and politicians telling me they’re good people,” said Bridges. “If you’re a good person, it’s time to show and tell and do and make good, moral conscious decisions and actions that shows and reflects you being a good person. That’s why we’re here, we’re just trying to be good people and show this family we care. That we care about your baby and care about your community of Senatobia.”ORIGINAL STORY: Child dead, one critical after officer-involved shooting at Senatobia Walmart
With a tattoo dedicated to his late son on the side of his face, Kohen’s father stood in solidarity as Bridges spoke on his behalf. Bridges says their biggest request now is to view the surveillance footage of the day in question.
According to Bridges, Walmart says that could take multiple months. That information has not been confirmed by Walmart.
“They’re going to do what they’re going to do and we’re going to do what we’re going to do, but we‘re not going to stop until we get justice for baby Kohen,” he said.
The shooting happened Sunday in the Walmart parking lot. Since then, community members, faith leaders and family members have gathered at multiple events calling for transparency and accountability as investigations continue.
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, according to the city of Senatobia. The action was taken by the mayor and Board of Aldermen at the meeting on Tuesday night. That officer has not been identified by city officials.Senatobia officer placed on leave after deadly shooting of toddler; protesters tear-gassed
This comes after Tate County, Mississippi, deputies deployed tear gas at protesters outside the Senatobia Walmart after they left a rally at city hall on Tuesday afternoon for Wiley.
Community members expressed frustration over the circumstances surrounding the shooting and called for justice for the toddler and his family.Senatobia community gathers for vigil honoring 1-year-old
On Friday evening, a vigil was held in Senatobia where residents came together to remember Kohen’s life and support his loved ones.
Pastors and community leaders have also urged residents to remain engaged and continue seeking answers while supporting the Wiley family.Pastor disappointed by mayor’s statement on toddler’s death
Walmart has not provided a reason for Saturday’s closure.
The family of Kohen Wiley is scheduled to hold a news conference and rally on Monday, June 22, alongside nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump and attorney Van Turner.
According to a release from the family’s legal team, the group will continue calling for full transparency in the investigation and will announce an independent autopsy into the 1-year-old’s death.
The news conference is set for 8 a.m. at Gospel Temple COGIC on East Gilmore Street in Senatobia.
