Campaigners and families are expressing renewed grief and frustration over the lack of progress in preventing Aboriginal deaths in custody, following the recent death of a 24-year-old Warlpiri man, Kumanjayi White, in Alice Springs after being restrained by police in a Coles supermarket. This incident comes five years after the Black Lives Matter movement and the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, highlighting a persistent issue despite numerous recommendations from a 1991 royal commission. Calls for independent investigations into police actions continue to be rejected.
A glimpse of hope, then another Aboriginal death in custody: ‘grief-stricken’ campaigners mourn lack of progress
Indigenous AustraliansAustraliaAustralian police and policingDeaths in custody
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Campaigners and families are expressing renewed grief and frustration over the lack of progress in preventing Aboriginal deaths in custody, following the recent death of a 24-year-old Warlpiri man, Kumanjayi White, in Alice Springs after being restrained by police in a Coles supermarket. This incident comes five years after the Black Lives Matter movement and the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, highlighting a persistent issue despite numerous recommendations from a 1991 royal commission. Calls for independent investigations into police actions continue to be rejected.
Trending- 1 1991: Royal commission put forward 339 recommendations to stop Indigenous deaths in custody.
- 2 2020: Tens of thousands marched in support of Indigenous Australians who died in custody as part of the global Black Lives Matter movement; fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker by Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe.
- 3 This month (June 2025): Community braced for inquest findings into Kumanjayi Walker's death.
- 4 Recently (prior to June 3, 2025): Kumanjayi White died after being restrained by police in Alice Springs.
- 5 Friday (prior to June 3, 2025): Warlpiri elder Ned Hargraves addressed a crowd of hundreds from his mobility scooter.
- 6 Sunday night (prior to June 3, 2025): Snap vigil in Sydney saw about 500 people gather.
- 7 This year (2025): 34 people have died in custody, 10 of them Indigenous.
- 8 Coming days: Paul Silva planning another rally in Sydney.
- Death of Kumanjayi White
- Renewed grief and anger among Indigenous communities and campaigners
- Calls for independent investigations rejected
- Rallies across Australia
- Ongoing debate about police accountability and systemic racism
- Continued lack of progress on royal commission recommendations
What: A 24-year-old Warlpiri man, Kumanjayi White, died in hospital after being restrained by police in a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs. This incident has reignited grief and calls for reform regarding Aboriginal deaths in custody.
When: The death occurred recently (article published June 3, 2025). The Black Lives Matter movement was 5 years ago (2020). The royal commission was in 1991.
Where: Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, specifically in a Coles supermarket. The man was from Yuendumu. Rallies are being held across Australia.
Why: The man lost consciousness after being restrained by police, leading to his death. The broader context is the ongoing issue of Aboriginal deaths in custody, despite decades of recommendations and advocacy, which campaigners attribute to systemic issues and a lack of political will for reform.
How: Police restrained the man, who was alleged to be shoplifting, after an altercation with a security guard. The family is calling for an independent investigation, which police have rejected. Rallies are being held across Australia in response.