The New Jersey Attorney General released body camera videos from a July 28 incident in which a 25-year-old woman named Victoria Lee was fatally shot by police officers in Fort Lee. Lee’s brother had called 911 to report his sister’s mental health crisis, mentioning she had a knife. The videos show Lee approaching officers holding a large water jug, with conflicting reports on whether she was also holding a knife. The family claims she was only holding the water jug. The officers repeatedly demanded she open the door before entering the apartment. Lee threatened the officers, and when they breached the door, she was shot by Officer Pickens. After being shot, she was pulled into the apartment and provided aid but was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Lee’s family insists that she had never been violent during previous mental health episodes and that in past situations, 911 responders were understanding and de-escalated the situation. The family’s attorney declined to comment after viewing the body camera videos. Stop AAPI Hate and AAPI New Jersey criticized the police response as unjust and unwarranted, highlighting the family’s requests not to enter the apartment and the lack of effort to de-escalate the situation before resorting to lethal force. The incident has sparked demands for justice and accountability for Victoria Lee’s death.
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New Jersey Attorney General shares footage of police shooting of woman captured on body camera
