Update as of April 21
The officer who fired his gun has been named, his name is Nicholas Reardon. He has been on the force since 2019. The interim police chief also stated Reardon “may not have had ‘cover, distance and time’ to use a Taser.”
Original story
As the country waited for the verdict to be announced in the Derek Chauvin trial, another officer-involved shooting took place in Ohio. Ma’Khia Bryant, a teenager, was shot four times before succumbing to the bullets. Law enforcement was called to the house Bryant was at and an officer opened fire.
According to reports, an unidentified individual called Columbus Police because females were gathered at the house to stab and put their hands on one another. As officers arrive on the scene, Bryant can be seen attacking another individual with a knife in her hands. Reports state Bryant was acting in self-defense and was the one who called 9-1-1 for help.
Law enforcement did attempt life-saving measures for Bryant, however, she was pronounced dead en route to the hospital.
Footage from the officer’s body camera can be found starting at the 6 minutes and 40-second mark:
“It’s a tragic day in the city of Columbus,” stated Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. “A horrible, heartbreaking situation. I’m not just the mayor, I’m a father. The city of Columbus lost a 15-year-old girl today. We know based on this footage, the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community. But a family is grieving tonight and this young 15-year-old girl will never be coming home.
Protest has been going on all night.
This story will be updated as the investigation continues.
