Coroner Finds Racist Conduct by Officer in Indigenous Teen Shooting

A coroner found that former police officer Zachary Rolfe, who fatally shot Indigenous teenager Kumanjayi Walker in 2019 in the Northern Territory community of Yuendumu, exhibited racist behavior that reflected an institutional culture of racism within the police force. The inquest revealed that Rolfe's racist attitudes, combined with his attraction to adrenaline-style policing and excessive use of force, may have contributed to Walker's death, which was deemed avoidable and a case of 'officer-induced jeopardy.' The coroner emphasized that Rolfe was not merely a 'bad apple' but benefited from a work environment that tolerated racism, as evidenced by racist messages exchanged with colleagues. Despite Rolfe's self-defense claim and acquittal of murder and manslaughter charges, he was dismissed from the force after criticizing the police and the coronial process. The Northern Territory Police Force has initiated anti-racism strategies and is reviewing the coroner's recommendations in collaboration with Indigenous leaders. The case has intensified scrutiny of Australia's treatment of its First Nations people, highlighting ongoing concerns about systemic racism and the high rates of Indigenous incarceration and deaths in custody.