 "US authorities are investigating the fatal shooting outside the apartment complex in Los Angeles. (AI Image)")
An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed an armed man late on New Year’s Eve outside his apartment complex in the Northridge neighbourhood of Los Angeles, after responding to suspected gunfire and encountering the individual with what appeared to be a long rifle, according to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
US authorities are investigating the fatal shooting outside the apartment complex in Los Angeles. The off-duty ICE and Removal Operations officer was inside his apartment when the incident unfolded.
Officer responds to suspected gunfire
According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the officer heard what he believed were multiple gunshots at around 10:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday. As the sound of gunfire intensified, the officer went outside carrying his ICE-authorised firearm.
McLaughlin said the officer encountered a man “armed with what appeared to be a long rifle” as he rounded a corner within the apartment complex. After identifying himself as law enforcement, the officer ordered the individual to put down the weapon. The man allegedly pointed his firearm at the officer and failed to comply with commands.
Exchange of gunfire
“When the subject refused to comply, the officer fired defensively with his service weapon at the subject to disarm him,” McLaughlin said. “The subject fired at least three rounds at the officer.”
Following the shooting, the officer returned to his apartment to retrieve his ICE-issued body armour “to better protect himself against rifle rounds” and contacted the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), McLaughlin said. When officers arrived, they found the wounded man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The ICE officer was not injured.
Sources said there appeared to be no prior connection between the officer and the deceased man. ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility is coordinating with the LAPD as the investigation continues, McLaughlin said. The LAPD confirmed it responded to reports of shots fired involving a federal agent but released no further details. Authorities have not disclosed the names of either the ICE officer or the man who was killed.