Family reacts to no charges in VA shooting
The Brief
- John Smith’s family saw bodycam footage of his fatal shooting by police for the first time during a meeting with the DA.
- Smith, armed with a knife and having a mental health crisis, was shot by police at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
- The DA’s office will not charge the officer involved, stating the use of force was justified under the law.
- Despite the official position, Smith’s family disputes the threat level he posed and plans to continue seeking criminal charges.
- Smith’s mother, Onnie Smith, has vowed not to give up on seeking justice for her son.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – John Smith’s family watched police body camera video of a deadly confrontation between police officers and the military veteran for the first time at a meeting earlier this week with DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
Smith was experiencing a mental health crisis at the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur, and was armed with a knife, when an officer shot him in January.…