The family of Keith Porter Jr, a 43-year-old father of two, is calling for the arrest and prosecution of the off-duty US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer who fatally shot him on New Year's Eve outside his Los Angeles apartment complex. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said Porter had fired gunshots into the air, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the officer was forced to defend himself against an 'active shooter'. However, Porter's family and activists argue he was celebrating the new year and posed no threat.
Attorney Jamal Tooson, representing the family, stated that Porter's actions might have warranted an arrest or citation, but not a 'death sentence'. The shooting has drawn comparisons to the recent killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, which sparked nationwide protests after footage contradicted official claims. Organisers from Black Lives Matter Los Angeles have demanded the LAPD release the officer's name and pursue charges.
Wanda Turner, a longtime family friend, expressed her grief, saying, 'I'm heartbroken and I know that ache will never go away. The officer needs to surrender and do what's right. I want him charged.' Criminal defence lawyer Stacie Halpern confirmed she represents the officer, identified as Brian Palacios, and maintains the shooting was lawful self-defence.
The incident remains under investigation, with no footage available and few details disclosed. The LAPD responded to 911 calls at about 10.40pm and found Porter deceased. ICE stated the officer lived at the complex and exchanged gunfire, but Tooson questioned the lack of corroborating evidence, such as shell casings indicating an exchange.
