A gathering to memorialize a Topekan killed by police will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Statehouse
A gathering will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday on the south steps of the Kansas Statehouse to memorialize Christopher Kelley, 38, who was fatally shot June 24 by Topeka police.
The event will include a discussion about the need for mental health access in this community, and how residents can advocate for changes to prevent a recurrence of the type of situation in which Kelley died, said Danielle Twemlow, one of the organizers.
Those who take part are asked to wear blue and gray.
Kelley, a 38-year-old Black man who struggled with mental health issues, cut himself several times with a knife before charging with it at three Topeka police officers, who each shot him, authorities said.
More information about Thursday's event can be found on its Facebook page.
Kelley was a husband, father, military veteran, cook and friend, that page says.
Tim Hrenchir can be reached at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Gathering will memorialize Christopher Kelley, killed by Topeka police
