The Metropolitan Police marksman involved in the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, 24, is now scheduled to be named on March 1, ahead of his murder trial, according to recent developments in the case. The officer, who has been identified in court proceedings as NX121, had his identity shielded by reporting restrictions at the beginning of the criminal proceedings.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, had previously agreed in October of the previous year that the officer’s identity should be revealed as the case progressed through the criminal justice system. Initially, it was anticipated that the reporting restrictions would be lifted at the end of January. However, during an Old Bailey hearing on Friday, the judge postponed the naming of the officer until March 1.

Additionally, the trial date for NX121, who faces a murder charge, has been rescheduled from September 9 to a new date of October 1. The case is expected to be presided over by a High Court judge.

Throughout the trial, a prohibition on the publication of pictures of the officer and the location of their home address will remain in place.

Judge Lucraft’s decision to delay naming the officer was based on his review of “intelligence material” concerning the risk to NX121’s life and the safety of his family. He acknowledged that there had been significant information indicating a threat following the September 2022 shooting incident. Witness statements also highlighted concerns about ongoing and future risks.

While the judge acknowledged the risks associated with lifting parts of the anonymity order, he believed that these risks could be addressed in various ways to mitigate them. He also emphasized that there would not be a “real or immediate risk to [NX121’s] life” and that the delay in naming the officer would allow for pre-trial matters to be addressed and for safety measures to be implemented to protect the officer and his family.

The shooting incident involving Chris Kaba occurred during an armed police car stop in Streatham Hill in September 2022. Following an extensive investigation, NX121 was charged with murder. In the moments leading up to the shooting, Mr. Kaba had driven into Kirkstall Gardens and collided with a marked police car. The officer fired one shot, striking Mr. Kaba in the head. As of now, NX121 has not entered a plea to the murder charge.