There has been shock and condemnation after a 37-year-old man was shot dead by 12 police officers in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Landon Eastep was shot dead on camera in an incident that apparently saw him brandishing a box-cutter.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, a man was shot in the middle of Interstate 65 in Nashville, roughly 10 miles south of downtown Nashville in an incident attended by officers from the MNPD, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and an off-duty officer.
The incident unfolded after an officer saw a man on a railing around 2p.m. on Thursday afternoon. It is then said that the man produced a box-cutter. The officers began to calm the man as reinforcements arrived.
The police said in a statement:
"The Mt. Juliet officer attempted to de-escalate the situation and dialogue with Eastep for some 30 minutes as he held the box cutter in his left hand and kept his right hand in his pocket."
Officers can be heard in the video saying:
"Whatever you're worried about we can fix it, let's get you some help though," the officer says. "This is not the answer, you and I know it. You don't want to hurt me I know you don't. And you know I damn sure don't wanna hurt you, right? Come on brother, put your hand up, drop the knife and let's figure this out."
When the man ignored the warnings, at least 12 officers opened fire, he was immediately killed.
The killing has resulted in some calling the event a firing squad execution of a man that posed no immediate danger, due to his distance from police, and was most likely suffering from mental health or personal problems.
The video is likely to pile further pressure on US law enforcement after years of accusations of brutality and extrajudicial 'justice'.
The following videos contain graphic scenes:
[Based on reporting by: The Mind Unleashed]
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