Birmingham, Alabama, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Community activists in Birmingham rallied at the courthouse to support the family of Jabari Peoples, an 18-year-old shot by police. They are demanding the release of body camera footage from the incident, as frustrations grow over limited access and concerns about transparency in law enforcement. Despite the Jefferson County District Attorney promising to show the video to the family, community members made clear their demand for public access. Jabari’s death has raised questions about police actions during a marijuana possession stop that led to the fatal shooting.
Birmingham – Community members gathered at the courthouse steps in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday to support the family of Jabari Peoples, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed by a Homewood police officer. The gathering drew participants from various local groups, including Black Lives Matter, who are advocating for the release of body camera footage from the incident that occurred on June 23.
Activists, including Travis Jackson from Black Lives Matter Grassroots Birmingham, emphasized the importance of making the unedited video available to ensure transparency. Concerns have arisen regarding police departments potentially editing footage to their benefit, raising questions about the accuracy of the narrative conveyed to the public.
As of now, Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr has stated he would show the video to Jabari Peoples’ family by Wednesday, although they may be the only civilians allowed to view it. Community members have expressed frustration regarding the limited access to the footage, while it remains uncertain whether it will be made available to the public. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) recently denied the family’s request to see the bodycam video, citing ongoing investigations and the need to protect constitutional rights.
On Saturday, around 60 protesters marched from the Homewood Police Department to ALEA’s office, chanting demands for justice. Protesters are calling for an end to the withholding of body camera footage, arguing that taxpayer-funded footage should be available to the public, especially in high-profile cases like this one.
Jabari Peoples has been described by family members as a disciplined young man with aspirations of becoming a law enforcement officer. He was set to graduate from Aliceville High School in 2024 and had been working as a security guard. Jabari’s family has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death, claiming that independent investigations suggest he was shot in the back, while police reports allege he resisted arrest and was armed at the time of the shooting.
During the incident, police approached Jabari’s vehicle at the Homewood Soccer Complex, allegedly over marijuana possession. Reports indicate that officers stated Jabari reached for a handgun during a scuffle, which prompted the officer to fire in self-defense. However, Jabari’s girlfriend, who was present during the shooting, disputes this account, asserting that he was unarmed.
Protesters and family members have questioned how a simple marijuana possession stop could escalate to a fatal shooting, emphasizing a pressing need for accountability and transparency from law enforcement. Community gatherings, including candlelight vigils and emotional testimonies from family members, continue to voice the community’s demand for justice and accountability related to body cameras.
As the investigation continues, ALEA has not disclosed the name of the officer involved in the shooting, following a policy that typically keeps this information confidential. Activists are urging local officials to take action and release the relevant footage to provide clarity on the events leading to Jabari Peoples’ untimely death.
FAQ
What happened to Jabari Peoples?
Jabari Peoples, an 18-year-old, was shot and killed by a Homewood police officer during an encounter related to marijuana possession on June 23, 2023.
Why is the community demanding the release of body camera footage?
Local community members are advocating for the release of the body camera footage to ensure transparency in the investigation and to prevent potential editing of the footage by law enforcement.
What has been the response from law enforcement regarding the bodycam video?
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency recently denied the family’s request to view the bodycam video, citing ongoing investigations and constitutional objections.
How are community members expressing their demands for justice?
Community members have organized protests, marches, and candlelight vigils to express their demands for justice for Jabari Peoples and to call for the release of body camera footage.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | June 23, 2023 |
| Victim | Jabari Peoples, 18 years old |
| Location | Homewood Soccer Complex, Birmingham, Alabama |
| Community Response | Protests and demands for bodycam footage release |
| Official Actions | D.A. to show footage to family; ALEA denies public requests |
| Community Organizations Involved | Black Lives Matter Birmingham and local activists |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old in Unattended Vehicle
Father-Son Dispute Leads to Fatal Shooting in North Birmingham
Man Shot and Killed in North Birmingham
Birmingham Police Charge 21-Year-Old in Fatal Shooting Case
Teen Shot in Botched Gun Sale in Birmingham
Shooting of Jabari Peoples Sparks Demand for Transparency
Community Calls for Transparency After Police Shooting of Teen
Fatal Police Shooting Sparks Outcry in Homewood
Family Seeks Justice After Police Shooting of 18-Year-Old in Homewood
Additional Resources
- WBRC: Outrage Grows Over Body Camera Footage
- Birmingham Times: Family Seeks Body Camera Footage
- AL.com: Body Cam Video Hidden, Claims Family Lawyer
- ABC3340: Police Provide Update on Officer-Involved Shooting
- WVTM13: Jabari Peoples Shooting Bodycam Update
- Wikipedia: Police Body-Worn Camera
- Google Search: Jabari Peoples
- Google Scholar: Jabari Peoples Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Accountability
- Google News: Jabari Peoples Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
