Halle Berry, Viola Davis and other stars have spoken out following the shooting of a 16-year-old Black boy in Kansas City on Thursday.
High school junior Ralph Yarl was shot and wounded by a homeowner on April 13 when he mistakenly knocked on the wrong door while attempting to collect his siblings.
The teenager is currently "recovering" in hospital "despite the severity of his injuries and the seriousness of his condition," a statement from the family's attorneys said.
Meanwhile, the homeowner who shot Ralph was released pending further investigation following 24-hours in police custody, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves revealed during a press conference on Sunday.
Protestors took to the streets to demand justice for Ralph over the weekend, and celebrities have also been joining in with the discussion surrounding his shooting.
Writing on Instagram on Sunday evening, Halle Berry wrote: "His name is #RalphYarl and I’m sick and tired of this feeling… my heart completely broke when I learned this precious 16-year-old, who accidentally rang the door of the wrong address in an attempt to pick up his siblings, was shot in the head by a man who didn’t want him on his property."
"This innocent child is now fighting for his life," she continued, adding powerfully: "This could be your child. This should NOT happen. Please do something today!" The Monster's Ball actress called on her fans to write to Prosecutor Zachary Thompson to "demand an immediate arrest and bring the appropriate charges."
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis also took to Instagram to demand change, writing: "ALL HANDS ON DECK!!" before sharing the attorney's statement which explained what had happened to Ralph and called again for people to demand change.
Another star who used their socials to discuss the shooting was Chrissy Teigen. Taking to her Instagram story, the model and mom-of-three shared posts relating to the event, including Viola Davis' call for action.
Tracee Ellis Ross shared posts via her Instagram as well, as did All My Children stars Kim Hawthorn and Tamara Braun.
Hollywood actor and dancer Skyh Black also posted, saying: "Black boys deserve life and joy….. please world I beg you to stop taking it away from them."
During the April 16 police conference, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves explained the homeowner who shot Ralph was released pending further investigation due the police wanting to gather further forensic evidence and a statement from the victim.
Graves continued by explaining how Missouri State law states a person can be held for up to 24 hours for investigation of a felony, after which they are required to be either charged or released.
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Want to keep up to date with the latest stories? Sign up to our HELLO! Newsletters today.
