A police officer shot and killed a 15-year-old girl on Tuesday only moments before Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts for the fatal arrest of George Floyd.
Columbus Police immediately released the bodycam footage of the officer to ease tensions as BLM protesters gathered on the scene.
Franklin County Children’s Services confirmed that the teen killed was Makhia Bryant and that she was in foster care.
In the video, an officer can be seen walking to a driveway with a group of people. 15-year-old Makhia Bryant runs out of a house with a knife in her hand.
The teen then runs towards a woman and appears to swing the knife at her but she falls forward.
Bryant then turns her attention to another woman and runs towards her with her knife. The officer then shoots her four times and sends her to the ground.
People around can be heard screaming in horror and shock.
Columbus police said that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation and they released the bodycam to give the public more information.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said: “It’s a tragic day in the city of Columbus. It’s a horrible, heartbreaking situation.
“We felt transparency in sharing this footage, as incomplete as it is at this time” was critical.
Interim Columbus Police Chief Michael Woods also said that officers are authorized to use deadly force to protect themselves or a third party.
Columbus Public Safety Director Ned Pettus Jr urged the public to remain patient as the investigation continues.
“She could be my grandchild,” Pettus said. “In any way you look at this, it’s a tragedy.”
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