Bronx shooting of Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong sparks community mourning

The Bronx community and the Ghanaian diaspora are mourning 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot on October 29 while walking to school. According to his father, Thomas Frimpong, the shooting may have stemmed from a bullying incident at school. The teenager was reportedly chased and shot in the back by three masked individuals.

A witness who stayed with Frimpong until emergency responders arrived described the teenager as being extremely brave and calm during his final moments. Following the incident, a candlelit vigil was held in the Bronx, drawing members of the Ghanaian community, as well as Muslim and Christian groups.

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $895,000 toward a $1.1 million goal to support the family. Additionally, New York residents have renamed a street in his honor. To facilitate the funeral, the U.S. Embassy fast-tracked a visa for Frimpong’s mother, Doris Adu Gyamfi, to travel from Ghana to New York.