The parents of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot in the Bronx on October 29, joined prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump and renowned civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton at a press conference in Harlem on Thursday to demand justice for their son.
The event took place shortly after the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect in connection with the killing. The suspect is expected to be arraigned on charges including intentional murder and manslaughter.
Speaking at the media briefing, Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Sam Kumah, expressed gratitude to Attorney Crump for offering to represent the family without charge to the Government of Ghana or Ghanaian taxpayers.
Ambassador Kumah also thanked Rev. Al Sharpton for his unwavering support and for hosting the press conference at the headquarters of the National Action Network in Harlem.
He reaffirmed the Government of Ghana’s commitment to pursuing justice for Javits Frimpong and other Ghanaians who have lost their lives in recent incidents in the United States. The ambassador further conveyed Ghana’s appreciation to New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani for his solidarity and support, as well as to U.S. law enforcement authorities for their continued efforts in investigating the case.
Ahead of the press conference, Mayor Mamdani spoke directly with Javits’ mother, who thanked him for standing with the family during their difficult time.
“Thank you very much for your support,” she told the mayor.
Mayor Mamdani expressed hope that the family’s unity and support network would provide them with some comfort as they continue to mourn their loss. Javits’ father, Thomas Frimpong, also thanked the mayor for his assistance and compassion.
In an emotional address, Attorney Ben Crump drew parallels between the campaign for justice in the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, insisting that the same determination and public attention must now be directed toward securing justice for Javits Frimpong.
“The call for justice must extend to Javits,” Crump said, urging authorities to ensure accountability in the case.
The death of the Ghanaian teenager has drawn widespread attention within both the Ghanaian and African-American communities, with calls growing for a thorough prosecution of those responsible.
The funeral of Javits Frimpong is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bronx, New York.