Black Lives Matter and an advocacy group for the homeless are claiming that a Cincinnati police officer was at fault for drawing his gun when a mentally ill man attacked him in his police SUV with a knife.
A Cincinnati homeless advocacy organization and a Black Lives Matter group are challenging the fatal police shooting of a 25-year-old man with a history of mental illness.
Chief Eliot Isaac said Officer Anthony Brucato was under “vicious, violent attack” by knife-wielding robbery suspect Jawari Porter when he fired six shots at Porter at Government Square early Sunday morning.
Video released Monday shows Porter lunging at Brucato in the driver’s seat of a police vehicle. Earlier video shows Porter appearing to hold a knife to the throat of a security guard at a Kroger store on Vine Street.
The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and Black Lives Matter Cincinnati issued a joint statement saying Porter’s death was avoidable.
“The police officer had his gun drawn as soon as he opened the door. Inevitably this escalated the situation. This officer could have instead chosen a method of interaction meant to deescalate. After escalating the situation, and struggle ensued, the officer chose to shoot Mr. Porter. He had other options, including a partner coming to assist. Human life is far too important to not choose other options, even if doing so might increase immediate personal risk,” the GCCH said in a Facebook post.
The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is drawing withering criticism on their Facebook page for their comments, and Black Lives Matter—Cincinnati is likewise being blasted by people siding with the police… and with good reason.