Paula Bryant told reporters at the scene of the incident that her daughter, 16-year-old Makhia Bryant, was shot and killed by an officer in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday afternoon.
Columbus Police have since released body-cam footage from the officer who fired his gun, who has been “taken off the street” while the criminal investigation is ongoing.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said based on the footage “the officer took action to protect another young girl in our community”. Protesters gathered on Legion Lane where the shooting took place and outside Columbus Police Headquarters.
Although Interim Chief Mike Woods did not identify the police officer during the press conference, he was asked if the officer’s actions were “within division policy” and responded: “This officer will be taken off the street, decisions about policy will come with the conclusion of the criminal investigation.”
