The police in the US state of Ohio has shot dead a 16-year-old black girl.
It occurred while responding to an emergency call over a tried stabbing. The teen included in the episode is identified as Ma’Khia Bryant in the state capital Columbus.
The bodycam footage produced by the Columbus police appears to the girl stabbing others with a knife before being shot.
While urging the locals to stay calm by the officials, an inquiry is underway.
Additionally, the officer concerned with the incident is put on paid regulatory leave.
In a south-eastern area in Columbus at the local time, 6:45 (20:45 GMT) on Tuesday, police were called.
Bodycam footage provided by the police shows an altercation with a group of individuals inside a house before one of them. Said to be Ma’Khia Bryant looks to lurch at another group member with a knife in hand.
A police officer then approaches the group in the driveway and shouts to get down. It was before firing several shots and fatally injuring the girl.
She had a knife; she just ran at her, the officer is heard saying in the footage. A bystander then shouts that she was just a child.
Officials have said the officer open fired to save the life of one of the girls. A woman identified in local media as Bryant’s aunt said her niece was protecting herself after being charged.
Statement from the local TV station
A local TV station WSYX-TV quoted Hazel Bryant as saying she was a good kid. Yes, she had issues, and that’s okay, but she didn’t deserve to die like a dog on the street.
Ma’Khia Bryant’s mother, Paula Bryant, speaking to broadcaster WBNS-TV, said she was hurt by what had happened. Adding that Ma’Khia was a loving girl.
On Wednesday afternoon, protestors gathered in Columbus near the home where the girl’s shooting took place.
The White House linked the shooting, which happened about an hour before former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin Conviction. Chauvin is convicted of murdering George Floyd last May to systematic racism.
Jen Psaki, Press Secretary, told a news conference on Wednesday, her death came just as America was hopeful of a step forward after the exhausting and traumatic trial of Derek Chauvin.
Derek Chauvin, 45, was caught in a footage kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes. It was during his arrest last May, and it led to his death.
