A Los Angeles family is seeking answers after their loved one was fatally shot by an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a New Year’s Eve celebration.
According to ABC 7, 43-year-old Keith Porter was shot and killed in Northridge after an off-duty federal agent reportedly heard gunfire near his apartment and went outside to investigate. The Department of Homeland Security claims Porter was holding a rifle when the agent encountered him and was ordered to put the weapon down.
RELATED STORIES: Donald Trump Claims Incident Of Woman Who Was Shot By ICE In Minneapolis Was Self Defense
DHS Says Porter Fired at Agent Before Being Shot
According to DHS, Porter allegedly failed to comply with commands and fired three shots at the agent. Officials say the agent then discharged his authorized service weapon, fatally striking Porter. Porter’s family strongly disputes the government’s version of events. They claim Porter fired celebratory gunshots earlier in the evening as part of New Year’s Eve festivities, and that the off-duty agent arrived after those shots were fired — not during an active threat.
Neighbors also reportedly told investigators they did not hear the agent identify himself as law enforcement before the shooting.
Attorney Jamal Tooson, who is representing the family, criticized the agent’s actions. “He claims he heard gunshots getting closer to his apartment, but rather than staying at a position of safety, he left his apartment and went downstairs to what would be a position of danger,” he said.
Attorney Says Protocol Was Not Followed
Tooson also argued that the agent failed to follow proper protocol by not waiting for local law enforcement to respond.
He stated that an LAPD officer should have been called to the scene, rather than an off-duty federal agent taking matters into his own hands.