The harrowing moment Ohio police shot and killed an armed suspect near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee was captured on body camera footage.
Ohio police, assisting with security at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, shot and killed Samuel Sharpe Jr., an armed suspect, outside the event.
According to Daily Mail, the Columbus police officers were in Milwaukee to bolster security following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The incident happened in a parking lot less than a mile from the convention venue on Tuesday, with officers initially discussing abortion protests.
The officers were alerted to a man with a knife. Samuel Sharpe Jr., shirtless and wielding two knives, was pursued by officers who commanded him to drop the weapons.
Sharpe momentarily halted but then lunged at another shirtless man, prompting the police to open fire. He was declared dead at the scene. Mayor Anthony J. Ginther of Columbus stated that the release of the bodycam footage was done in the interest of transparency.
Authorities believe the shooting was not connected to the convention but occurred amidst heightened security following the attempt on Trump's life. The Columbus officers adhered to the Milwaukee Police Department's standard operating procedures on the use of force.
The five officers involved have been returned to Ohio. If there is probable cause for a crime, the case will be referred to Milwaukee police or another agency.
Initial reports indicated that Sharpe was homeless, involved in a fight, and a user of crack cocaine. He was known as "Jehovah" and resided in a homeless encampment.
Shelly Sarasin of Street Angels, a local outreach group, shared that Sharpe used their mobile shower units and expressed love to the group before he died. "This is more trauma on top of trauma for those who knew him and still live here," Sarasin said.
The incident occurred in the early afternoon near a social services building outside the Secret Service perimeter. Over 100 police officers swarmed the area near North 14th and West Vliet Streets.
Trump will conclude the week as the official GOP presidential nominee. The U.S. Secret Service requires protesters to register for the Demonstration Speakers Platform and Parade Route.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed confidence in the security measures, stating that the cooperation with the Secret Service and various law enforcement agencies ensured a secure environment.
Ohio police shot and killed an armed suspect, Samuel Sharpe Jr., near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as captured on body camera footage. Sharpe, wielding two knives, was pursued and shot by officers after he lunged at another man. The incident, unrelated to the convention, occurred amidst heightened security following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, with the officers acting in accordance with standard procedures.
