In a tragic incident early Saturday morning, a 28-year-old Black woman named Kendra Lawson was shot and killed by a white officer from the Fort Worth Police Department in Texas. The officer responded to a call reporting that Lawson’s door was ajar. Following the shooting, he has been placed on administrative leave.
Lawson was in her bedroom with her young nephew when the officer fired his weapon after illuminating the window with a flashlight. Witnesses report that he yelled, “Put your hands up. Show me your hands,” before discharging his firearm from outside. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene shortly thereafter.
A neighbor, who had called the police’s non-emergency line upon noticing the open door, expressed disbelief at the situation. “There was no reason for her to be dead, because there was nothing violent going on. They had no reason to come here with guns drawn,” he stated.
The police confirmed that only one shot was fired during the incident, which is currently under investigation by both the internal affairs division and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s law enforcement incident team. Although a firearm was located inside the home, the body camera footage does not depict anyone holding it at the time of the shooting. The department has pledged to conduct a “thorough investigation” into Lawson’s death.
In memory of Kendra, her family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and memorial expenses. The campaign highlights her achievements as a pre-med graduate of Xavier University and notes her close relationship with her family. “She was the auntie that stayed up on Friday night playing video games with her 8-year-old nephew,” it reads, emphasizing her role as a dedicated caregiver while also managing her professional life in pharmaceutical sales.
Fort Worth Mayor Lisa Grant has assured the public that authorities are acting swiftly and transparently to investigate the incident. The tragic shooting occurred shortly after another high-profile case in Dallas, where a police officer was convicted for fatally shooting Botham Jean in his own apartment.
In light of these events, the community is left questioning their safety and the role of law enforcement. “If you don’t feel safe with the police department, then who do you feel safe with?” asked the neighbor.
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Summary
Kendra Lawson, a 28-year-old Black woman, was shot dead by a Fort Worth police officer while she was in her home with her nephew. The officer responded to a call about an open door and is now under investigation. Lawson’s family has initiated a GoFundMe to assist with funeral costs, and the incident has raised significant questions about police conduct and community safety.
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