We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with the family of Mathios Arkangelo, an Edmontonian beloved youth from the African community of South Sudanese heritage, whose life was tragically cut short by an unnamed and unidentified officer with the Edmonton Police Service. Mathios was a son, father, spouse, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, and a cherished member from the Black community. He was a talented musician, dedicated athlete, and a devoted family man who worked tirelessly to provide for and protect his loved ones.

GoFundMe​

25 Minute Video​

Timeline

We stand united with the family of Mathios Arkangelo in their calls for justice:

Prompt and Thorough Investigation: We demand a swift and comprehensive investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), which has been provided with all the necessary evidence and witnesses.

Suspension of the Involved Officer: We demand that the unidentified officer involved in the incident be suspended during the ASIRT investigation to maintain the integrity of the process and to ensure public trust in the administration of justice. This is also crucial for the protection of the public from this officer.

Immediate Release of the Autopsy Report: The autopsy report on Mathios's death is reportedly complete. We demand its immediate release, as the family has been informed that it could be withheld for up to a year.

Transparency of Surveillance Footage: We call for public acknowledgment of the facts shown in the 25-minute surveillance video that captured the entire interaction between Mathios and the Edmonton Police Service on that fateful day. This footage is essential for understanding the full context of the incident.

Honest and Ethical Communication: All communications and interactions regarding this matter should be conducted directly with the family to ensure their voices are accurately heard and represented. We condemn the private, behind-closed-doors meetings held by officials with other members of the Black community without the family's presence. No individual or group is authorized to represent the family in meetings with authority figures without their physical presence and consent, which they are currently not providing. We encourage all Black community organizations to share their written statements to officials with the public. Transparency and direct involvement of the family are crucial in this matter. 

City of Edmonton: Implement the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan to Protect Black Youth and Communities from Anti-Black Racism:

Anti-Black racism is deadly and costly. Our second call to action, following the family's request, is to protect Black communities in Edmonton. We urge the City of Edmonton to fully implement the recommendations of the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan, focusing on those within the city's mandate. This plan, which the City committed to, was written by the voices of the community, reflecting the pervasive impact of anti-Black racism. It provides a direct roadmap for meeting each recommendation within the city's authority. Any deviation, deflection, or shifting of responsibility onto Black individuals or organizations, causing internal conflict, will be seen as perpetuating systemic violence by our own city. The Anti-Black Racism Action Plan must be enacted in its entirety to ensure the safety and well-being of Black youth and communities in Edmonton.

We demand that the City of Edmonton take concrete steps and ensure public communication updates and transparency in implementing these recommendations to address systemic issues and ensure the protection and well-being of Black communities.

We encourage everyone to support this pursuit of justice in a peaceful and respectful manner. The murder of Mathios has deeply affected his family and the broader community, shaking their sense of security and trust in the authorities meant to protect them.

By signing this petition, we join the Arkangelo family in their call for justice, accountability, and transparency. In signing this petition, we also call upon our elected officials from Edmonton’s City Council and the Provincial Government including both the Premier and Mayor to issue statements regarding the murder of Mathios. Attached is the list of elected officials from City Council and the Legislative Assembly. 

If you can please donate $10, or even $5 to the Justice For Mathios GoFundMe to help the family cover legal fees.