Four New Orleans police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing following an internal investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred in the city's historic French Quarter. The decision, announced on Tuesday, has ignited debate over police conduct and the use of lethal force.
The incident unfolded on a Saturday evening last month when officers responded to reports of a man threatening people with knives near the intersection of Royal and St. Peter streets. Upon arrival, they encountered 37-year-old James Brissette, who was allegedly armed with two large knives.
According to the New Orleans Police Department's statement, officers repeatedly commanded Mr. Brissette to drop the weapons. body-worn camera footage reportedly shows the man advancing towards the officers despite these commands, leading four officers to discharge their service weapons.
Mr. Brissette was pronounced dead at the scene. The Louisiana State Police, who led the initial investigation, confirmed he was armed with two knives.
Internal Review and Public Reaction
The NOPD's Public Integrity Bureau conducted a thorough review of the incident, examining video evidence and witness statements. The bureau concluded that the officers' actions were justified and in line with department policy regarding encounters with armed and threatening individuals.
However, the decision has been met with criticism from community advocates and the deceased man's family. They argue that alternative de-escalation tactics could have been employed to subdue Mr. Brissette, who they claim was experiencing a mental health crisis.
This case echoes previous controversial incidents involving the NOPD, which has been under a federal consent decree since 2012 aimed at reforming its policies, particularly concerning use of force.
Path Forward
In response to the public concern, a police spokesperson stated that the department's Force Investigation Team is continuing its review of the shooting. The findings will be presented to the federal monitor overseeing the department's reform agreement for further assessment.
The outcome of this case is being closely watched as a test of the NOPD's commitment to reformed policing practices and transparency in officer-involved shootings.
