A one-year-old child was killed and two adults were wounded after Mississippi police officers opened fire on a vehicle during a pursuit, authorities said Wednesday.
Details of the incident
The shooting occurred Tuesday evening in the city of Jackson, Mississippi. Police were pursuing a vehicle that had allegedly been involved in a robbery when officers fired into the car. The child, who was in the back seat, was struck and later died at a hospital. Two adults in the front seats were also hit and are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Chief Joseph Wade said the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. “This is a tragic event, and our hearts go out to the family of the child,” Wade said in a statement. He added that the officers’ body cameras were activated and will be reviewed.
Community reaction
The shooting has sparked outrage in the community. Civil rights activists and local residents have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. The NAACP issued a statement condemning the use of deadly force and demanding accountability. “No family should have to endure the loss of a child in such a senseless manner,” the statement read.
Jackson City Council member De’Keither Stamps expressed grief and frustration. “We are tired of burying our children. This must stop,” he said. The child’s identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Investigation underway
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe, with assistance from the Jackson Police Department. Officials have not released details about the initial robbery or what led officers to open fire. The investigation is expected to take several weeks.
This incident adds to a growing number of high-profile police shootings involving children in the United States, reigniting debates about police tactics and accountability.
