Two Minneapolis police officers shot and killed an armed suspect in Minnesota recently. Moreover, recently released body cam footage shows the entire incident, where officers issued multiple warnings to a knife-wielding assailant prior to engaging. As such, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman recently announced neither officer would not face charges in the fatal shooting.
Officers Ryan Keys and Neal Walsh fired eight shots at the 36-year-old suspect, identified as Travis Jordan. The video shows Jordan fail to comply to repeated orders to drop a 13.5-inch Chefmate knife that featured an 8.25-inch blade, according to a report from the Hennepin County Attorney office.
“I express my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jordan’s family and to his girlfriend over his tragic death,” Freeman said in the statement. “However, in reviewing all of the evidence gathered by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, including video from the officers’ body cameras, it was clear, at that moment, Mr. Jordan presented a real danger to the officers. Under Minnesota law, they were justified in using deadly force.”
The report wraps up an investigation into the shooting by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, that examined multiple officer body camera and included interviews with witnesses and responding officers, according to the report.
According to the investigation, Jordan’s girlfriend called police and told the dispatcher the man was threatening to commit suicide in his home. When she told Jordan she would call police, he said he would talk to them upon arrival.
Minneapolis Police Responds
But as the video shows, Jordan was clearly agitated when police arrived. When Officer Keyes gestured to man to come closer, Jordan screamed “f–k you.” Then as both officers took positions around the front door, Jordan’s voice can be heard again and again, screaming variations of “Come on, do it.”
When Jordan finally emerged from the house, Keyes presented his pistol, backed up to create space and issued multiple warnings. “Just drop the knife dude,” he said. “Drop the knife buddy.”
But Jordan continued to advance, continuing to shout “let’s do this.” Meanwhile, Keyes retreats at least nine steps, issuing warnings, before both officers finally engage the threat. At least three rounds hit Jordan, according the report. The investigation later revealed that Jordan closed at least 10 feet of distance on Keyes before any shots were fired.
The officers immediately handcuffed the assailant for safety before providing first aid. Meanwhile, paramedics transported Jordan to a hospital, where he died from his wounds, according to the report.
Later, during the investigation, Minneapolis Police found a notebook where the suspect had allegedly written on a notebook. “Paul I’m so sorry this happened at your house,” it said. The note reportedly referenced the home owner, leading one to surmise Jordan intended an altercation to transpire.
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