The devastated mother of a teenager shot dead by armed police on the streets of Westminster has broken her silence in an exclusive and emotional interview, claiming her son was 'failed by the system'.
Nineteen-year-old Tyler Robinson was fatally wounded by Metropolitan Police marksmen after a dramatic standoff. His mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, has now come forward to paint a picture of a young man battling severe mental health issues, let down by the very services meant to protect him.
A Mother's Anguish: 'He Was Crying Out For Help'
In a raw and heartbreaking account, Tyler's mother detailed his long-standing struggle with mental illness. She revealed he had been known to mental health services and had been in a period of acute crisis in the days leading up to the tragedy.
'He wasn't a criminal; he was unwell,' she stated, her voice heavy with grief. 'He was crying out for help, and instead of getting the support he desperately needed, he was met with lethal force. We, as a family, believe this was a complete and utter failure.'
The Westminster Incident: A Timeline of Tragedy
The incident that led to Tyler's death unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day in the heart of London. Armed officers were dispatched following multiple emergency calls from concerned members of the public reporting a male making threats.
Eyewitnesses described a tense scene as police attempted to negotiate with the teenager. Despite their efforts, the situation escalated rapidly. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it has launched a mandatory independent investigation into the exact circumstances that led to the officers discharging their weapons.
Questions Over Police Response to Mental Health Crises
This tragic event has once again ignited a fierce national debate about police response to mental health emergencies. Critics argue that officers are often deployed as first responders to complex mental health crises, a role for which they are not adequately trained.
Campaigners are calling for a major overhaul in how these sensitive situations are handled, demanding that healthcare professionals take the lead to de-escalate incidents involving vulnerable individuals.
The Metropolitan Police have expressed their condolences to the family and stated they are fully cooperating with the IOPC investigation. A spokesperson emphasised that armed officers are highly trained and face incredibly difficult, split-second decisions to protect the wider public.
For Tyler's family, however, the questions remain. They are now left to mourn a son and brother, hoping his death will spark meaningful change and prevent other families from enduring similar pain.
