Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officers thought drawing their guns would 'escalate' axe incident, before shooting death

Two police officers have revisited the so-called "axe incident" that took place days before Kumanjayi Walker's shooting death, telling the coroner they didn't think the 19-year-old was a threat, even when he confronted them with a weapon during an attempted arrest. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker brandished an axe at officers, three days before he died Senior Constable Smith told the court that despite the weapon, he didn't think Mr Walker posed a threat Zachary Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges relating to Mr Walker's death WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains an image of a person who has died, used with the permission of their family. Drawing weapon would 'escalate' situation, officer says Senior Constable Smith told Coroner Elisabeth Armitage that he didn't think Mr Walker posed a threat to himself or other people, and he worried drawing his weapon could "escalate" the situation. Shooting inquest hears of 'issues with racism' among NT police Photo shows Derek Williams A senior Aboriginal community police officer has told the Northern Territory Coroner police from out of town lack "respect and responsibility" during the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker.