Kenyan man critically injured in suspected racial bias incident in Minneapolis

A neighbour shot a man with Kenyan roots while he was tending to his yard, a tragic incident that has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The victim, 34-year-old Davis Moturi, was critically wounded in the neck by his neighbour, John Herbert Sawchak, 54, during what appears to be the culmination of ongoing harassment.

Moturi, who moved into the neighbourhood in September 2023, has faced persistent threats from Sawchak since his arrival. According to Moturi’s wife, Caroline, the harassment began shortly after they purchased their home. “Shortly after moving in, our neighbour began harassing us, threatening us, and stalking us,” she shared. Despite numerous calls to the police, the couple felt ignored, with one officer allegedly suggesting they “just move out.”

Caroline detailed a series of alarming incidents, including Sawchak flashing a knife from his window and attempting to attack Moturi with a gardening tool while he was on a ladder. “At one point, John chased him with a shovel. Despite these frequent acts of violence, a warrant was only issued when his white wife reported I was being verbally threatened,” she said.

CCTV footage captured the moment Moturi was shot while pruning trees outside his home. He survived the attack but sustained a fractured spine and multiple broken ribs, leading to hospitalization. “I don’t call the police for fun. I call because I want my family to be safe. It’s very sad that it had to come to this,” Moturi expressed in an NBC News interview.

Local reports reveal that prior to the shooting, Moturi had reached out to the police multiple times regarding Sawchak’s escalating harassment. However, officers did not act, citing Sawchak’s mental health issues and the risks involved in executing a warrant. “The Minneapolis police somehow did not act urgently enough to prevent that individual from being shot,” admitted Police Chief Brian O’Hara in a recent press conference.

The failure of the police to address Moturi’s concerns has led to widespread condemnation. Local leaders and community members are demanding accountability and improvements in the handling of harassment cases. Minneapolis City Council members have expressed their outrage in a letter to O’Hara and Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing the police of neglecting their duty to protect Moturi.

The police chief's controversial remarks, which appeared to partially blame the victim for the escalation, have compounded Moturi's situation. “Ultimately, what precipitated the shooting was the cutting of a tree that this individual had planted with his mother,” O’Hara stated. These comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, highlighting the need for a sensitive and responsible approach to issues of domestic harassment.

In court, Sawchak faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault, stalking, and bias-motivated harassment, with enhancements for racial bias. Documents from the court reveal that a decade ago, a paranoid personality disorder led to his previous mental health commitment.

As the community rallies around Moturi, Caroline has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses. “My heart is broken. We aren't safe in our home,” she lamented. “We will fight not only for justice but also for the protection and safety of our community.”

The inaction of the Minneapolis Police Department has sparked a broader dialogue about systemic issues related to addressing harassment and protecting marginalised communities. The situation has left many questioning how law enforcement can better serve the community and ensure safety for all residents.

On October 29, Sawchak made his first court appearance. The court set bail at $1 million, with the option for him to post $600,000 bail under supervision. As the case unfolds, community members are watching closely, hoping for justice and a renewed commitment from law enforcement to protect the vulnerable.