SENATOBIA — Approximately 100 people gathered outside a Walmart in Senatobia, Mississippi, on a Friday morning to protest the police killing of Kohen Kartier Wiley, a one-year-old boy. The protest called for justice and the release of video footage related to the incident.

On June 14, a Senatobia police officer shot into the passenger side of a vehicle, killing Wiley and injuring his mother, Vellesiya Wiley, who was driving. "I watched my baby take his first breath, and I watched my baby take his last breath," Vellesiya Wiley said during a press conference on Monday. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety stated that officers were responding to a call alleging the theft of diapers.

The department issued a statement on June 14 indicating that officers encountered two subjects and a juvenile child fleeing from the store into a vehicle. The statement said officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and the driver drove in the direction of officers, almost striking one. Vellesiya Wiley and some witnesses have disputed the police account. Wiley stated that the driver of the vehicle paid for the diapers at the store's self-checkout, and no shoplifting charges have been filed. Wiley and some witnesses also objected to officials referring to Kohen Wiley as a "juvenile."

Kohen Wiley's family and protesters demanded the release of videos of the shooting. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety stated that body-camera and security-camera footage would not be released while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation investigates. A public records request identified Sgt. Hunter Foster of the Senatobia Police Department as one of the officers present.

The Walmart was closed with its doors barricaded during the protest. Police officers had deployed teargas on protesters at the location earlier in the week to force a crowd to disperse. Protesters chanted "Justice for him! Kohen Wiley," "If we don't get it, shut it down," and "Say his name: Kohen Wiley!" Marquell Bridges, a Mississippi organizer, helped lead the demonstration.

Protesters marched from the Walmart down the street, led by three vehicles. A sheriff intercepted the crowd on US Highway 51 shortly after the march began and informed some leaders that they were not permitted to stop traffic. Protesters continued marching, moving slowly enough to slow, but not stop, traffic. The marchers initially intended to go to the Senatobia police station, but law enforcement vehicles positioned themselves to prevent their access. Marchers changed their route repeatedly, facing barricades preventing their approach.

The marchers walked down Main Street and stopped outside the town's municipal court office. Workers at local businesses looked out at the protesters from behind closed doors. Family friend Tyesha Cox said, "They just need to listen to the community and let us get justice." She added, "If they feel the police did right, then why they haven't released any footage?" Employees at some fast-food restaurants exited to observe and reportedly cheered at the protesters. The protesters marched through town, leaving Senatobia's main street area, weaving near the interstate, and eventually returning to the Walmart.

A memorial to Kohen Wiley had been placed outside the Walmart on June 18. Following the march, family and community members attended a viewing of Kohen Wiley's body. Organizers held a town hall on Friday that featured Fred Hampton Jr., Marquell Bridges, and Baba Akili, among others. Kohen Wiley's funeral is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.