She was unarmed
An eye-witness in America has claimed that police officers shot an unarmed pregnant black woman five times as she attempted to flee.
Leonna Hale was suspected of carrying out a carjacking with a male accomplice when police officers stopped her in Kansas City. While the unnamed man was able to escape, Hale, 26, was “shot five times” as she attempted to flee officers who demanded she get on the ground.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), officers were called to the parking area of a Family Dollar store on Friday, where they found Hale and a man breaking into a car.
An eye-witness, known only as Shedanja, told the Kansas City Star that Hale held her hands up and complied with law enforcement. She also informed them of a gun in the car.
“She did not pull out a weapon on them,” Shedanja told the Star. “She did not even have a stick in her hand.”
The officers reportedly demanded that Hale gets on the ground but she told them she was pregnant and explained why she couldn’t do so. Shedanja said she panicked and eventually tried to run as the police approached with their firearms drawn.
Knasas City Police officers shot a woman this evening on the parking lot of a Family Dollar store near 6th and Prospect. "We never want to be in these types of situations," interim KC Police Chief Joseph Mabin said without taking questions. Missouri Highway Patrol has the case. pic.twitter.com/z95CjUFACJ
— Toriano Porter (@torianoporter) May 28, 2022
“They shot five times,” Shedanja said. “I remember seeing her hit the ground and I froze.
“One, two, three, four, five.
“I remember it because it didn’t stop.”
Two Kansas City police officers shot an unarmed 26-year-old pregnant Black woman Friday night.
She exited a vehicle with her hands in the air and they shot her 5 times.
But they can’t run into a school where kids are being massacred? 🤔#LeonnaHale
— Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) May 30, 2022
Speaking to reporters regarding the incident, KCPD chief Joseph Mabin said they “never want to be in these types of situations.”
He continued: “Not the public, not the police department. Any time anything happens like this, it’s a blight on our community. I want to assure the public that the scene is secure. There’s no ongoing threat. The Highway Patrol will be investigating this incident.
Why do police shoot/kill Black alleged criminals but arrest confirmed white criminals? #LeonnaHale@potus it’s time to make congress and America do right by Black Americans!
Make the bill law for George Floyd Policing Act and Anti-Black Hate Crime now! pic.twitter.com/FkszjBkbiS
— Wise Savant (@savantmoore) May 31, 2022
“We’re committed to being 100% transparent, and fully cooperating with the Highway Patrol.”
Hale suffered serious injuries but is stable in the hospital.
