Kawaski Trawick: Calls for answers after police kill black bisexual man

New York police are being called on to release body cam footage and more information about the death of Kawaski Trawick, a black bisexual dancer who was shot dead in his own home by an officer.

Trawick was killed on April 14 when a police officer fired four shots into his chest at his apartment in the Bronx, New York.

The 32-year-old was part of the local ballroom scene and had been living in Hill House, a supportive housing unit.

In the days and weeks since, calls for the New York Police Department to release more information about the circumstances of Trawick’s death have intensified.

Jason Walker, an organiser with the HIV/AIDS support group Vocal NY, said that it has “been over a week without full transparency or accountability from the NYPD.”

“Kawaski Travick was a 32-year-old black gay man who loved to vogue and dance,” he told Gay City News.

“Kawaski Travick was a 32-year-old black gay man who loved to vogue and dance.”

—Jason Walker, Vocal NY

“He came to New York City looking for opportunity and he should be with us today. Instead he is dead.”

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who acts as New York City’s ombudsman, has said that he will be requesting body cam footage “to more fully understand what transpired.”

“Transparency is a powerful tool, and it is clear to me that we need full transparency regarding this incident,” Williams told The City.

Timeline of Kawaski Trawick’s death

Trawick was killed after a night of conflicting phone calls to the emergency services.

The first people to arrive at Hill House at 11.06pm were members of the New York Fire Department.