Body cam footage has been released showing 43-year-old William James Hughes shot multiple times by police after allegedly raising a gun while facing them.
Police Activity reports the incident occurred August 5, and St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Chief Todd Axtell decided to release the video footage to quell any pushback against the officers. Axtell indicated that news of the shooting caused “widespread rumors and falsehoods” about the incident, and he worried that officers could find themselves facing danger without proof of what actually happened.
In the video, viewers see Officers Matthew Jones and Vincent Adams enter an enclosed porch and find two doors into the dwelling. Hughes emerges from one of the doors, allegedly holding a handgun. The officers can be heard ordering Hughes to put his hands up as he is emerging from the door. He then allegedly raises the gun.
The officers open fire and Hughes collapses to the floor.
TwinCities.com quotes Chief Axtell said Hughes raised the gun “in a sweeping fashion over the officers.”
Axtell added, “Our officers do not choose these situations. These situations choose our officers.”
Pioneer Press reporter Mara Gottfried indicates police were dispatched to the residence after a 911 caller reported hearing gun shots from inside the the dwelling:
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