More details are expected today in a fatal officer-involved shooting in south Minneapolis late Saturday night. Two officers arrived at the scene of a possible assault at around 11:30 pm. An officer fired, striking and killing the woman, who family members have identified as 40-year-old Justine Damond from Australia. Damond had been living in Minneapolis and was engaged to be married next month. Authorities say the officers’ body cameras were not turned on at the time of the shooting, and the squad camera did not capture the incident. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges says she was “deeply disturbed” by the incident and she’s asked the BCA to release as much information on the shooting as quickly as they are able to. Here is Mayor Hodges’ statement in full:
“Late last night, an officer-involved shooting occurred in the 13th ward, following a 911 call that two Minneapolis police officers responded to on the 5100 block of Washburn Avenue South. Tragically, a woman was fatally shot when one of the officers discharged their weapon.
“Immediately following notification of this incident, Assistant Chief Medaria Arradondo contacted the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The BCA has been, and continues to be, in the lead investigating this officer-involved shooting incident. There are still many questions about what took place, and while the investigation is still in its early stages, I am asking the BCA to release as much information, as quickly as they are able to.
“My understanding, from the BCA’s initial statement, is that the officers’ body cameras were not turned on at the time of the incident and the squad camera did not capture the incident. I intend to learn more.
“As Mayor of our City, a wife, and a grandmother, I am heartsick and deeply disturbed by what occurred last night.
“My thoughts are now with everyone affected by this tragic incident, especially the deceased woman and her family. The City will continue to provide updated information on this incident, and the BCA’s investigation, as soon as we have it.”