The family of Kumanjayi White is seeking answers after the 24-year-old died in police custody at a supermarket in Alice Springs, Australia. White’s grandfather, Ned Hargraves, a leader in the Warlpiri community, expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the incident, which occurred on May 27. Hargraves described White as his "Jaja," or grandson, and emphasized the need for transparency regarding the circumstances of his death.
According to Hargraves, White was restrained by two police officers until he lost consciousness. He called for immediate access to all available footage of the incident, including CCTV and body camera recordings. "We are in the dark about what really happened," he stated, highlighting the family’s urgent need for clarity.
White had been living in supported accommodation due to disabilities. Hargraves noted that instead of receiving the support he needed, White was criminalized because of his condition. A former employee at the supermarket, Gene Hill, shared his concern for White, saying that his disabilities were apparent and that the store should have provided interpreters and Indigenous security staff to bridge communication gaps.
The Northern Territory Police Force reported that White "stopped breathing" after being restrained. They stated that they would investigate the incident on behalf of the coroner. However, calls for an independent investigation are growing, with support from various groups, including independent senator Lidia Thorpe and the human rights organization Amnesty International. They argue that an independent inquiry is necessary given the community’s tensions and the history of police interactions with Indigenous Australians.
Malarndirri McCarthy, the federal minister for Indigenous Australians, acknowledged the trauma faced by the Warlpiri community and suggested that an independent investigation might be warranted. In contrast, Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro defended the police’s investigation, calling it standard procedure for all deaths in custody. She criticized McCarthy’s comments as unhelpful and urged her to promote confidence in the police force.
The death of Kumanjayi White marks a painful moment for the Yuendumu community, which is still reeling from the 2019 death of Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot by a police officer. The community, which has a population of about 870, is grappling with the impact of these tragedies. White’s death coincided with the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s death, a moment that sparked global protests against police violence. It also occurred during Reconciliation Week in Australia, a time meant to promote understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Hargraves expressed his anger and frustration over the loss of another young life at the hands of police. He questioned how much more the community could endure, calling for justice and accountability for Kumanjayi White. As the family and community seek answers, vigils and protests are planned across Australia to honor his memory and demand change.