Police in El Cajon, San Diego have confirmed that they shot and killed 30-year-old African-American Alfred Olango at a shopping center in the city. Witnesses have claimed that Olango was unarmed and was mentally disabled. Protests over his death have taken place in the Southern California city, while authorities dispute the circumstances of the shooting.
NBC 7 San Diego reports that police were called out at 2 p.m. and found an "erratic subject" who was refusing to comply with orders. In the statement issued, police confirmed Olango's death and stated that two officers opened fire after the man "rapidly drew an object from his front pants pocket, placed both hands together and extended them rapidly toward the officer taking up what appeared to be a shooting stance." El Cajon Police spokesman Rob Ransweiler declined to comment on whether the man was armed when asked by NBC 7 San Diego.
A woman with the Facebook username Rumbie Mubaiwa uploaded a live feed of the incident. In the video a woman identifying herself as Olango's sister can be heard saying "Oh my god, you killed my brother... I just called for help and you came and killed him."
Witness reports from the shopping center vary, with one person telling NBC San Diego 7 that Olango had his hands in the air when he was shot. The police have subsequently denied this suggestion.
The investigation just started, but based on the video voluntarily provided by a witness, the subject did NOT have his hands up in the air
— El Cajon Police (@elcajonpolice) September 28, 2016
Protests began at the scene of the killing, with chants of "Black Lives Matter."
People chanting "Black Lives Matter" over "All Lives Matter" #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/WDhAfThqY7
— Ashley Matthews (@ashleyNBC7) September 28, 2016
Prayer Circle at El Cajon police involved shooting scene #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/K8WRkyz6NJ
— Dave Summers (@DaveSummersNBC7) September 28, 2016
El Cajon police clarified in their statement that they are investigating Olango's death. The two officers involved will be on administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation.