16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was shot four times and killed by Columbus, Ohio police, Tuesday afternoon, moments before the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial was read.
What We Know:
- The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating a fatal police shooting in South Columbus. Family members have identified 15-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant as the victim. Police were called to the 3000 block of Legion Lane just before 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday on a report of an attempted stabbing. Early, unconfirmed reports allege that Ma’Khia called the police to the scene.
- The girl who was killed was identified as Ma’Khia Bryant, 16, by a spokeswoman for Franklin County Children’s Services, who said in an email on Tuesday night that Ma’Khia had been in foster care.. Bryant was taken to Mt. Carmel East in critical condition but was pronounced dead just before 5:30 p.m.
- Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said body-worn camera footage will be reviewed as soon as possible. Ginther is asking residents to remain calm and to allow BCI to investigate. Ginther who called Bryant a “young woman” is under fire for mischaracterizing her, a common practice used to criminalize Black victims after a police crime. Citizens are outraged.
This afternoon a young woman tragically lost her life. We do not know all of the details. There is body-worn camera footage of the incident. We are working to review it as soon as possible. BCI is on the scene conducting an independent investigation . . .
— Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) April 20, 2021
- This shooting happened moments before the verdict was announced in the Derek Chauvin trial. Chauvin was found guilty of the death of George Floyd last May. Floyd’s death sparked protests around the world, including in Columbus.
- Columbus Police Department released an edited version of the body camera video worn by the officer who shot Bryant. Police have not yet made public the name of that officer. Footage showed the teenager lunging at two other females with a knife as the officer arrived at the driveway of a residence. Within seconds, the officer fired several times — four shots could be heard in the video — at the girl. She collapsed to the ground next to a car that had been parked in the driveway, body camera footage showed a knife on the ground.
- WARNING: Video contains strong language. A woman near Legion Lane in South Columbus says her niece was killed earlier tonight after an officer involved shooting. Police still haven’t confirmed the victim. https://t.co/kBtSPxc6Xh pic.twitter.com/eTpmyWsoZK
— WSYX ABC 6 (@wsyx6) April 20, 2021
- Bodycam footage was released by the city of Columbus. This footage is very graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.
This is a developing story. It will be updated with information as available.
Last Update: 06:28:00 ET 4/21/2021
