The NYPD released body-worn camera footage of a shooting at a Brooklyn subway station where police confronted a fare-beater who charged at them with a knife. The suspect, Derrell Mickles, was shot along with two bystanders. One bystander is in critical condition, while the others are expected to survive. Mickles faces charges including attempted aggravated assault on a police officer. His lawyer claims there was disproportionate force used by the police.
Surveillance video shows Mickles jumping a turnstile with a knife before being shot on a train platform. The officers attempted to deescalate the situation with Tasers, but resorted to deadly force when Mickles charged at them.
The shooting has sparked controversy, with the victim’s family, police reform advocates, and local officials criticizing the officers’ actions. Protesters took to the streets to condemn the shooting, leading to arrests. Mayor Eric Adams defended the officers, stating they showed discipline and tried to deescalate the situation.
While some support the officers’ actions, others believe the shooting was unnecessary and put innocent bystanders at risk. The incident has raised questions about police training, handling of mental illness and poverty, and the use of deadly force in public spaces. The mayor has stated he will reserve further comment until the formal review of the incident is complete.
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