Police Release Footage of Officers Shooting Woman Armed with Knife

UPDATE: Body camera footage has just been released showing a shocking incident where officers shot a woman armed with a knife in Amherst, New York. The footage, made available by the Amherst Police Department, captures the tense moments leading up to the shooting that occurred on October 28, 2023.

Officers were responding to a menacing complaint at an apartment complex on Durham Drive when they encountered Tonisha Green, a 26-year-old resident. Officials from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office confirm that Green was armed with a knife and refused multiple commands to drop the weapon during a standoff lasting several hours.

The situation escalated when an officer fired shots at Green, resulting in her being wounded and the standoff coming to an end. Immediately following the shooting, officers provided first aid and recovered the knife, as confirmed by Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane.

“This is a challenging situation for law enforcement,” Keane stated. “Officers try to do their best to de-escalate these situations, and unfortunately, it didn’t work in this case.” Green has been charged with four counts of menacing a police officer and one count of second-degree menacing. She is currently hospitalized at the Erie County Medical Center.

The district attorney’s review concluded that the officers’ use of force was justified, further emphasizing the complexity of such encounters. This incident raises urgent questions about police-community interactions and the challenges faced by law enforcement in high-pressure situations.

As the investigation continues, the New York State Attorney General’s Office will only review cases involving fatalities caused by police actions, indicating that they will not be involved unless further developments occur.

This incident highlights the dangerous realities officers face daily and the critical need for effective de-escalation tactics. With Green currently recovering in the hospital, the community seeks answers and a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded last week.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities continue their investigation.