Multiple Norfolk, Virginia, police officers have been placed on administrative duty after fatally shooting an unarmed 25-year-old woman last Saturday.
CBS News reports that India Beaty, a mother of four, was allegedly involved in an altercation in a parking lot when she was approached by officers.
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According to police reports, officers say that Beaty began waving what looked like a gun at them, which is when they opened fire, fatally striking her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. It was later discovered that the handgun was a fake.
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“Any loss of life is tragic,” Norfolk Police Chief Michael Goldsmith said at a press conference. “This morning’s events affect not only my officers and Ms. Beaty’s family members, but our entire community. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Beaty’s loved ones, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we continue this investigation.”
An internal police investigation has been opened.