A retired Metropolitan Police officer, identified only as C12, has spoken publicly for the first time about the fatal shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell tube station in 2005. In a Channel 4 documentary, the former firearms officer defended his actions, claiming he believed he was about to die and acted to prevent a bomb detonation.
De Menezes, a 27-year-old Brazilian electrician, was shot seven times in the head after being mistaken for a suicide bomber. The incident occurred a day after failed bomb attacks on London's transport system, and police were hunting four suspects. C12 stated he had only ten seconds to view a grainy photograph of the suspect before the operation.
According to C12, he shouted 'Armed police' and fired when De Menezes stood up in a manner he deemed suspicious. However, an inquest jury rejected this claim, and none of the 17 civilian witnesses reported hearing the warning. The coroner also prevented the jury from considering a verdict of unlawful killing.
The Met Police was fined £175,000 plus costs for health and safety breaches. A spokesperson reiterated the force's deep regret and apology to the de Menezes family, stating that 'no officer sets out intent on ending a life.' The operation was led by then-Commander Cressida Dick, who later became Met Commissioner.
