The mother of the 16-year-old girl from Columbus, Ohio, who was shot by police, said in a tearful interview that her ‘loving, peaceful’ daughter ‘called the police’ for protection – not to commit murder ‘ .
Ma’Khia Bryant was fatally shot after her family said she called the police to report girls fighting around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, shortly before former Minneapolis agent Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd.
Video released by the police shows a cop meeting the teenager, who appears to be armed with a knife, and chasing another girl who falls for the cop.
The officer yells at the alleged suspect to “go down,” before the teen attacks another girl, the video shows. Swinging the apparent weapon at the second girl, the officer fires several shots at the alleged suspect and punches her.
‘I am very upset, I am hurt. I want answers, ”Ma’Khia’s mother Paula Bryant told 10TV in tears. “My daughter sent the Columbus police for protection, not to commit murder today.”
The distraught woman said her daughter had been in foster care and that she last saw her on Thursday.
We hugged each other. She said, “Mommy, I made a roll of honor.” She said, ‘Mommy, I’m looking forward to coming home,’ ”Bryant told the news broadcast.
‘Ma’Khia had a motherly nature about her. She promoted peace. That’s something I always want to remember, ”she added.
Columbus police said they would release additional bodycam video on Wednesday, 10TV reported.
“We thought it was important to share with the community, to be transparent about this incident, to give them some answers we can give tonight,” Police Chief Michael Woods said Tuesday.
Mayor Andrew Ginther said the girl’s death was a “terrible, heartbreaking situation.”
He called it a “tragic day in the city of Columbus” and asked his city to pray for the teenager’s family.
Director of Public Security Ned Pettus Jr. expressed condolences to the family at a press conference late Tuesday and said the situation will be fully investigated.
