Protesters gather after police shooting of Somali man in Footscray

Chaos erupted amid a protest in Melbourne’s west after police fatally shot a Somali man during a confrontation.

Violent scenes erupted at a protest following the fatal police shooting of a Somali man.

Hundreds gathered in Footscray, Melbourne on Tuesday for a protest calling for an independent investigation, accountability, and urgent reform in the use of nonlethal force.

It came after Abdifatah Ahmed, 35, was shot by police in Melbourne’s west after allegedly rushing at police with a knife on Thursday night.

His death ignited widespread community outrage, prompting vigils and rallies across the city as demands grow for answers and systemic change.

The peaceful protest unravelled when a man took a swing at officers.

Chaos ensued with footage captured by the Herald Sun showing about 30 protesters clashing with officers.

Choas erupted on the streets amid the protest. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire

The peaceful protest was distrubed by the scenes. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire

The scenes unfolded during the protest. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire

Hundreds gathered at vigils and protests demanding an independent investigation into the incident. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire

Mr Ahmed, a Somali refugee known to have mental health issues and no fixed address, was shot dead by two police officers in Footscray on April 17. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire

Protest organisers spoke out against those who hijacked the peaceful demonstration and encouraged protesters to sit down as the unruly group were removed.

No arrests have been made but investigations are ongoing.

Mr Ahmed, a Somali refugee known to have mental health issues and no fixed address, was shot dead by two police officers outside the Metro West mall on Albert St in Footscray about 9pm on April 17, after allegedly refusing to drop a knife and charging at police.

Victoria Police said the officers, who were not equipped with tasers, opened fire within seconds after confronting what they described as an “extremely volatile and high-risk situation.”

“We strongly reject any claims that this matter was racially motivated,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said in a statement.

“This is something no police officer wants to be involved in when they come to work.”

35-year-old Somali refugee Abdifatah Ahmed was shot dead by police in Footscray on Thursday. Picture: Supplied

The officers involved are currently on leave, with the force confirming the Homicide Squad is investigating the shooting under oversight from Professional Standards Command.

Footage that emerged after the shooting shows the officers slowly approaching Mr Ahmed with their guns drawn just moments after firing.

The video captures the officers standing over his motionless body until backup arrives.

Police at the corner of Albert and Paisley Streets in Footscray where Abdifatah Ahmed was fatally shot after charging at officers with a knife. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

The shooting reignited debate over police use of force, particularly in mental health incidents, and prompted fresh calls to accelerate the $214 million Taser rollout across Victoria Police.

Currently, only 60 per cent of frontline officers have access to the devices, with full coverage not expected until September 2026.

Community backlash has grown in the days since the incident. Around 200 people gathered at Nicholson St in Footscray on Tuesday afternoon, many holding signs that read “Black Lives Matter”, “Stop killing”, and “Justice for Abdifatah murdered by police.”

“We are not coming here to kill our children … we come here for a better life,” one protester told the Herald Sun.

“They decided to kill him. We are Australian and we are human beings.”

Berhan Ahmed, CEO of Africause and a speaker at the rally, said he knew Mr Ahmed personally.

“To be honest, he was a gentleman,” he told ABC News.

“These kids are victims of the institutional system, they need mental health treatment, our people are dropping out of school like flies with the spray.”

He also criticised the police response, stating that victims shouldn’t be blamed.

“Shame on [police] using guns instead of care,” he said.

Protesters gathered in Footscray on Tuesday after police shot dead 35-year-old Abdifatah Ahmed. Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire

President of Somali Community Inc, Farah Warsame, said the shooting had deeply traumatised the Somali community.

“Abdifatah was a son, a brother, and a young man in visible distress. He needed care, compassion, and support, not fatal force,” he told the Herald Sun.

“This tragedy highlights broader systemic concerns, including over-policing, racial profiling, and inadequate mental health responses when it comes to African Australian communities.”

Victoria Police said the officers, who were not equipped with tasers, opened fire within seconds after confronting what they described as an “extremely volatile and high-risk situation.” Picture: Jake Nowakowski / NewsWire

The City of Maribyrnong also responded to the shooting, issuing a statement expressing support for the community’s calls for an independent investigation.

“We remain committed to a partnership-based approach with our community leaders, seeking long-term solutions to the social and mental health challenges impacting Footscray,” the council said.

Victoria Police said the taser rollout was progressing as quickly as possible while ensuring proper training and storage protocols were followed.

“Even when officers have a taser, they will still have to make a risk assessment based on each situation they are confronted with,” a spokesperson said.

Originally published as Protesters gather after police shooting of Somali man in Footscray