Police in the District of Columbia released video footage Thursday showing the officer-involved shooting that killed Deon Kay on Wednesday, which sparked protests in the city, as investigators said he brandished a gun.
On Wednesday, protesters gathered near Mayor Muriel Bowser’s home and at a police precinct after the incident, demanding resignations.
When officials arrived in the 200 block of Orange Street, two suspects fled on foot. At one point during the pursuit, one of the men brandished a gun.
“In response, an officer discharged their firearm one time, striking the suspect,” officials said. “DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the suspect to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.”
Police said that after “life-saving efforts failed, the suspect was pronounced dead.” The other suspect escaped.
The body camera footage shows Kay falling to the ground as another officer renders aid to him.
“We are in the infancy stages of an investigation,” MPD Chief Peter Newsham said at a press conference on Thursday. “All we have is some statements and a video. There is a lot of work yet to be done before we come up with any conclusions.”
Police Chief Peter Newsham told reporters Kay was a “validated” gang member who had a criminal history.
Bowser, meanwhile, offered counseling services to Kay’s mother.
“We are very sorry for her loss,” Bowser said. “She has our condolences.”
In connection to the incident, “19-year-old Marcyelle Smith, of Southeast, DC, was found to be in possession of a handgun, He was arrested and charged for Carrying a Pistol Without a License and 18-year-old Deonte Brown, of Southeast, DC was arrested and charged with No Permit,” police officials said.
The shooting comes after several months of protests in major cities following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.