Protests have popped up over Pennsylvania following the death of a young man who charged at a police officer while wielding a big knife.
The incident took place in Lancaster where officers were dispatched to the home of 27-year-old Ricardo Munoz’s sister after she had made a complaint stating that her brother was being aggressive and trying to break into her home.
After the police arrived at the scene, Munoz, who stabbed four people in the past year, came running out of the home before charging at an officer while brandishing his massive knife.
As seen in the bodycam footage shared by the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, the 27-year-old was wielding his weapon “in clear view” as he confronted the officer.
Moments after the suspect came charging at the police, the officer responding to the report shot him dead.
Following the deadly confrontation, violent protests erupted in the city, whereas people were spotted shouting “this is what democracy looks like” while marching all the way from the scene of the shooting to the police department building.
According to WGAL-TV, some of the protesters vandalized police cars during the march. Some were also spotted breaking the windows of the buildings in the area.
Speaking of the demonstrations, the District Attorney’s office has urged people to “remain peaceful” because “destruction of property will become headlines and serve no purpose for the safety and wellbeing of our citizens and neighborhood.”
Meanwhile, Lancaster Mayor Danene Sorace said that the loss of Munoz represented “a heartbreaking day” for the city of Lancaster.
“This has been a heartbreaking day for our city. I grieve for the loss of life and know that there are more questions to be answered as the investigation continues,” Sorace said.
The investigation is underway and the “final determination on the use of force” is set to be made by District Attorney Heather L. Adams.
Replaced!