March 13, 2026
NEWARK – Following the release of body camera footage released Thursday of the killing of Wali Bey by Newark police, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice issued the following statement, which can be attributed to Surraya Johnson, Director of the Criminal Justice Reform Program at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.
“Wali Bey — who was only 42 years old — should still be alive.
“Our hearts are heavy for the Bey family and the community in Newark mourning his loss. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in this way.
“While we wait for the results of the Attorney General’s investigation, the body-worn camera footage on its face is extremely troubling.
“At this point, it does not appear that the officer who killed Mr. Bey was in any imminent danger or that Mr. Bey posed a threat that would reasonably cause the officer to fear for his life.
“The investigation into Mr. Bey’s killing by Newark police is occurring pursuant to New Jersey’s Independent Prosecutor law. That law establishes a process designed to ensure independent and unbiased investigations of police-involved shootings and to promote transparency and accountability.
“Mr. Bey’s killing occurred as a federal judge recently ended the Newark Police Division’s consent decree.
“That process was designed to help build a new relationship between police and the community based on trust, transparency and accountability — the very relationship Newark residents have been calling for since the Newark Rebellion nearly sixty years ago.
“During the period of the consent decree, substantial progress was made, including significant reductions in police-involved shooting incidents.
“At the same time, Mr. Bey’s killing makes clear that important work remains unfinished. Mr. Bey’s killing threatens the trust that years of reform have sought to build and underscores the importance of continuing that work.
“We await the Attorney General’s fulsome investigation and urge the Newark Police Division to continue to strengthen the reforms put in place during the consent decree so that the progress deepens.”
The Institute championed the Independent Prosecutor law with partners, and served on the Independent Monitoring Team overseeing the Newark police consent decree.
For more about the Newark consent decree, you can read the Institute’s report here.