The killing of Ma’Khia Bryant has galvanized foster parents to push for changes in how police and government agencies care for children who need a home.
Fact check: Ma Khia Bryant did not approach police officers at the scene before shooting Bayliss Wagner, USA TODAY
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The claim: Ma’Khia Bryant was shot after approaching officer to explain her situation
It’s been almost three days since police shot and killed 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio, on April 20. In that span of time, we have seen Bryant’s early and violent death cause protest, mourning and continued debate over police violence against Black Americans.
While police conduct their investigation and many details remain unclear, misinformation about the incident has circulated widely on social media.
Updated: 5:21 PM EDT April 23, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio Ned Pettus Jr., the director for the Columbus Department of Public Safety, spoke about the fatal Columbus police shooting of Ma’Khia Bryant in a YouTube video on Friday.
Bryant was shot by Columbus police officer Nicholas Reardon on Tuesday.
Bodycam video appears to show Bryant attempting to stab a woman with a knife before Reardon shoots her.
In the YouTube video, Pettus called the shooting an unspeakable tragedy for everyone involved.
While he said the investigation is focused on finding the facts of the shooting, Pettus said the community has to focus on the feelings and pain brought on by Bryant’s death.
The claim: Ma’Khia Bryant was shot after approaching officer to explain her situation
It’s been almost three days since police shot and killed 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio, on April 20. In that span of time, we have seen Bryant’s early and violent death cause protest, mourning and continued debate over police violence against Black Americans.
While police conduct their investigation and many details remain unclear, misinformation about the incident has circulated widely on social media.
As USA TODAY reported, one widely shared post falsely stated that Bryant was not holding a knife at the time of the shooting.
Columbus Grapples With Police Shootings That Have Taken Black Lives
With four killings in the past four months, many residents in Ohio’s capital feel victimized by their Police Department, which has received a litany of misconduct complaints.
A mourner on Thursday laid a wreath at a memorial for Ma’Khia Bryant, a 16-year-old girl who was fatally shot by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio.Credit.Amr Alfiky/The New York Times
By Will Wright, Lucia Walinchus and Kevin Williams
April 22, 2021Updated 9:25 p.m. ET
COLUMBUS, Ohio A bullet hole in a garage near her sister’s house marks the place where Adrienne Hood’s son, who was Black, was shot and killed by police officers in Columbus in 2016.