Editor’s note: The video with which he links this story is disturbing.
Police in Columbus, Ohio, released a bodycam video Tuesday night about the deadly shooting of a teenage girl earlier in the day. Acting police chief Michael Woods told a news conference that it is rare for a video to be released so quickly, but “we understand the need, desire and expectations of the public to have transparency.”
Police did not identify the girl, but her family and children’s services in Franklin County identified her as 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant. The family also told CBS affiliate Columbus WBNS-TV that Bryant was the one who called police for help, saying people were fighting outside his home.
Police at the press conference were unable to confirm who called 911. Police and city officials also referred to the victim as a 15-year-old throughout the press conference.
Woods said 911 received a call around 4:30 p.m. “The information was that a caller said there was a woman trying to stab them and get their hands on it,” Woods said. The video of the shooting was then played and appeared to show the shooting victim attacking two more people with what looked like a knife. The officer fired the gun several times while Bryant and another girl were fighting the side of a parked car. It was unclear what caused the altercation, which was already underway when officers arrived.
Officers who responded to the scene, including the one who shot Bryant, were not identified.
Woods said “doctors were called immediately” and CPR was administered, although it was not shown in the short video. Woods said a longer video would be released once the proper “drafting process” required by public records laws was passed.
“This is a tragedy for everyone involved, but especially for the woman’s family,” Woods said after the video was shown.
Woods said the Ohio Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating the shooting. When the BCI has completed the investigation, “the division police will conduct an administrative review of the actions of this officer and all officers on the site,” Woods said.
The officer who killed Bryant will be “taken off the street” while the shooting is investigated, Woods said. He also said that the decision on whether the agent violated any policy will come once the criminal investigation is completed and sent to a grand jury.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called the shooting a “horrible and heartbreaking situation” and said: “We know from this material that the officer took steps to protect another young woman in the community.”
Woods later noted that “deadly force can be used to protect oneself or (to) protect a third person … If that accomplishes that, it will be part of that investigation.”
“We think it’s very important to share as much information as possible, as soon as possible,” Ginther said. “Therefore, we will continue to share images and other information in the coming hours and days.”
The mayor also asked anyone with more information about what happened before the shooting “to share that information with the appropriate authorities.”
Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr. said, “My heart breaks for the family. Regardless of the circumstances, this family is in agony and they are in my prayers. They deserve answers. Our city deserves answers.” .
He stressed, however, that “quick and quick answers cannot cost accurate answers.”
Bryant’s mother, Paula Bryant, told WBNS she is “very upset. I’m hurt. I want answers.”
“My daughter sent Columbus police to protect herself, not to be a homicide today,” Paula said with tears in her eyes.
Ma’Khia was staying in a foster home. Paula said the last two met on Thursday. “We hugged. She said, ‘Mom, I did honor. “She said, ‘Mom, I want to go home,'” Paula said.
“Ma’Khia had a maternal nature. She promoted peace. This is something I want to always remember,” Paula added.
Shortly after the shooting, which occurred at the same time as the verdict of the trial of Derek Chauvin was announced, protesters began gathering at the shooting site and at the headquarters of the Columbus Police Division center.
Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who heads the Black Caucus of Congress and whose district includes parts of Columbus, tweeted that she is “at a total loss of words for the tragic murder of 16-year-old Ma’khia Bryant.” part of the Columbus police. My prayers are with his family and friends. Our community hurts, has experienced too many disorders and deserves better. “
– Brian Dakss has contributed to the communication.