A growing wave of outrage has erupted after Las Vegas police shot and killed an innocent man, Brandon Durham, 43, in a tragic incident that unfolded after he called 911 to report a break-in. Durham was fatally shot in the head by an officer while he was fighting off a female intruder armed with a knife.
The incident occurred early on Tuesday, November 12, when Durham, who was at home with his 15-year-old daughter Bella, called emergency services at 12:40 AM. He reported that multiple individuals were trying to break into his home and were firing guns outside. The call for help quickly escalated into a deadly encounter.
When officers arrived, they found broken windows and signs of forced entry at the property. According to Las Vegas Metro Police Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren, officers proceeded to kick down the door to Durham’s home as screams echoed from inside. Bodycam footage, released on Thursday, shows the chilling moments that followed.
In the footage, Officer Alexander Bookman, 26, enters the home and finds Durham struggling with 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux, who was reportedly armed with a knife. Police later stated that Durham and Boudreaux had a prior relationship, and the break-in was not random. Bookman, who was the first officer to enter, ordered both individuals to drop the weapon before opening fire.
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Despite the officer’s command, Durham and Boudreaux continued to grapple for control of the knife. In the video, both fall to the ground after the first shot is fired. Bookman then fires five more shots into Durham’s body as he lay on the floor. Koren confirmed that life-saving measures were attempted, but Durham was pronounced dead at the scene.
While the officer’s actions are under review, Koren defended the rapid decisions made by the officers. “They don’t have the ability to stop time or slow down the video to analyze the situation,” he explained. “Officers are often required to make life-or-death decisions in mere seconds.” Bookman has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.
The fatal shooting has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the handling of the situation. Brandon Durham was described by friends and family as a “loving and dedicated family man,” and a GoFundMe page set up in his memory has raised over $3,500 to support his wife, daughter, and stepson.
This tragedy is the 13th shooting by Metro Police in 2024, marking the eighth fatal incident. The shooting also draws comparisons to a similar incident in July, when a white officer in Springfield, Illinois, fatally shot an unarmed Black woman, Sonya Massey, who had also called 911 to report a suspected prowler outside her home. Police initially claimed Massey’s death was self-inflicted, but it was later revealed that Deputy Sean Grayson shot her after responding to the call. Grayson has since been charged with first-degree murder.
Brandon Durham’s death is another painful reminder of the potential risks that arise when those who call for help from law enforcement become victims themselves.
As public outrage mounts over these incidents, questions are being raised about police practices, officer training, and the tragic consequences of high-stress encounters.
Watch the report below via Channel News 8:
A family is calling for answers after a man was shot and killed by police after calling 911 to report a home invasion.
LVMPD says the investigation is just starting while emphasizing the importance of transparency.
However, Brandon Durham’s loved ones want justice. @8NewsNow pic.twitter.com/CveDIOvQuK
— Sasha Loftis (@SashaLoftis) November 15, 2024
