L.A. Police Officer Gets Extra Attention After Killing Armed Suspect Because She’s a Competitive Shooter

in Max Slowik, This Week
L.A. Police Officer Gets Extra Attention After Killing Armed Suspect Because She's a Competitive Shooter
Officer Toni McBride is facing lawsuits following a shooting that are partly motivated by her background in competitive shooting. (Photo: Taran Tactical/Facebook)

LAPD rookie officer Toni McBride, 23, is facing additional scrutiny following an apparent self-defense shooting because of her background as a competitive shooter. A legacy cop, McBride is also a social media influencer tied to Taran Tactical and has a sizeable audience. She joined the LAPD in 2017.

McBride shot and killed Daniel Hernandez, who was 38, after he approached her with a box cutter and refused multiple orders to drop the knife. She and her partner were responding to a 911 call about a car accident resulting in multiple injured parties.

Several bystanders called 911 on April 22 earlier this year to report the incident involving the suspect’s truck and five other vehicles. One caller said he was suicidal, cutting and stabbing himself in the truck.

McBride’s bodycam recorded the shooting and shows Hernandez clearly approaching her and her partner, bare-chested holding the knife. She yelled “Drop the knife!” three times and when he refused and continued to approach, she shot him twice and he fell down.

Hernandez then tried to get back up, still holding the knife, so McBride shot him four more times. She hit all six times. Emergency services pronounced Hernandez dead at the scene.

Now her critics are saying she shot the man because she is a competitive shooter. She is also facing wrongful death lawsuits filed on behalf of Hernadez’s family and daughter who is 14.

Hernandez’s family and attorneys argue that McBride was “set to kill” and didn’t attempt to de-escalate the situation.

“There was no attempt to deescalate whatsoever,” said Marina Vergara, Hernandez’s sister. “I wasn’t there that day, I don’t know what happened,” she said. “The only thing I do know is that my brother was a loving person.”

McBride and her team, along with other officers and use of force continuum experts say that it was a “by the book” self-defense shooting.

See Also: St. Louis Couple Who Had Firearms Seized by Police Offered 50 Free AR-15s

“She felt very bad when she had to take a life, but she did it to preserve her life and the surrounding citizens that were there,” said her attorney Larry Hanna. Hanna specializes in officer-involved shooting cases.

McBride’s now-private social media posts show her training with Taran Tactical. An officer and spokeswoman for the famous practical shooting training company, McBride shared many videos of her shooting skills.

“When I’m shooting I have to be in that mindset of you know what, this isn’t a metal target in front of me,” McBride told L.A. Magazine last year. “This is a suspect who has a knife, potentially to a victim’s throat. This is a suspect who is holding a gun at my partner right now.”

“For me I’m always putting myself in that mindset, because if I am put in a position in real life where that opportunity—or like that situation I should say—were to come, I need to know for myself ‘Hey you know what, I’ve been training like insane,” she explained. “I know I can take this shot, just so that I can stop the threat.'”

Now those words are being held against her, along with her family ties to the LAPD. McBride’s father was a patrol officer with the LAPD and now sits on the board of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, or LAPPL.

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About the author: Max Slowik is a writer with over a dozen years of experience and is a lifelong shooter. He has unwavering support for the Second Amendment and the human right to self-defense. Like Thomas Paine, he’s a journalist by profession and a propagandist by inclination.

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  • DAVID MILLER July 28, 2020, 7:44 am

    Should only have black police with a six pack beer and invite them to sit and chat problem solved

    • Chuck beach July 28, 2020, 2:31 pm

      What a idiot,how about slicing her throat or face? You not required to let anyone hit you before you can defend yourself. Are people in California complete idiots!

      • Terry L Story July 29, 2020, 12:51 am

        The short answer is yes, they are, there are exceptions of course, but all of us that are of a like mindset are leaving as fast as we can for almost anywhere else.

  • John B Holmes July 28, 2020, 1:01 am

    If I was in that same situation and you didn’t shoot me I am going home with either your head our heart in a bag. You don’t think a box cutter is a lethal as a 4,5 .or 6 inch knife. Oh my god your nieve. I will tell you from personal experience a knife any knife even your little swiss army knife is a hell of alot more deadly that a pistol !!!!!!!

  • John B Holmes July 28, 2020, 12:49 am

    You can shoot people center mass and they can live for minutes if not a hell of alot longer. I suggest you study the Miami FBI shootout in 1981. The suspect was fatally shot but proceeded to kill 6 FBI agents. Learn the difference between timers and switches.

  • Retired July 27, 2020, 12:21 pm

    Everyone is entitled to an opinion and most of them are based on nothing but an emotional reaction to seeing violence which is always distasteful. My opinion is based on my experience as a Combat Infantry Sgt. and 35 years in LE of which 14 were assigned to SWAT. Give her a commendation and move on.

  • Clint W. July 27, 2020, 9:48 am

    You just can’t win. An officer that is able to accurately shoot and takes down a life threatening criminal with 6 rounds, versus a Chicago or a NYC cop and his buddies that spray 72 rounds from their Glocks shooting bystanders, parked cars, dogs, cats, door frames and windows, to do the same thing.

  • Paul Lech July 27, 2020, 8:21 am

    My hart goes out to All the officer on sceen. This is a tring time to do an already hard job. Please hold together and help one another through this harable incident.

  • Buck July 25, 2020, 4:29 pm

    Remembering back a couple of months to the parishioner who took out the killer with one shot from 4 aisles away in Texas was also an instructor and competitor. No collateral damage. We should all be training toward that goal.

  • Michael J July 25, 2020, 1:54 pm

    Aren’t law enforcement supposed to be proficient with their tools?
    Last thing you want is a cop who can’t shoot straight. Who’s spinning the narrative?

  • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:01 am

    Because she practiced and trained, there were no bystanders shot … only a man who was aggressively brandishing the very same weapon used to hijack the airplanes on 9/11 and refusing to stop his attack.

    • Steven Washington July 27, 2020, 6:13 am

      There was an attempt to deescalate the situation, she said drop the knife three times

  • WALTER BRYANT July 24, 2020, 11:16 pm

    Sorry I wanted to remind you of 4 jumbo jets. One into the north tower, one into the south tower, one into the Pentagon, and one into a field. All with BOX CUTTERS. Sorry you put on your big boys panties, you get big boys results.

  • WALTER BRYANT July 24, 2020, 11:04 pm

    I was trained in the U.S. Army and went through the Sheriff’s acadamy. And no place did I hear that you (as a police officer) should take a violent person by the hand and invite them to sit down and have a cup of coffee. She had very limited time to think will he drop the knife, will he throw it, will he over run me, or my partner, will he have another weapon, and so many other things run through your mind at a time like that. It has been proven that the danger zone is anything short of 7 yes 7 yards. Also I learned at the acadamy tha if you have to shoot someone you shoot until there is no longer a danger. And as far as her ability with a firearm, if she cant shoot why does the police dept. need her? Sorry he got what he deserved.

  • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 9:31 pm

    And YOUR law enforcement experience is….?

  • bilker July 24, 2020, 9:00 pm

    Guns America needs to put a way to add a relevant photo and a like/unlike button in the comments area.

  • John July 24, 2020, 7:32 pm

    Absolutely no one has a duty to wait until blood is spilled before exercising personal self defense when ones life is in emminent danger. Any LEO will tell you they’d rather be shot than cut if a knife weilding assailent is within striking range.

    No anti-gun critic has ever been in the shoes of LEOs and experienced the terror of someone trying to murder them.

  • Kevin McCarthy July 24, 2020, 4:25 pm

    I have been competition shooting since 1966, all through my 26 years of military service and continued on after retirement. I’ve been a member of the dozens of gun clubs where I was stationed and lived. In the 700+ matches and events I have attended and hosted – I was only successful getting local police to participate once just one event!! None wanted to shoot with us for the exact same reason this officer is under scrutiny. (and then I read about shootings in LA where officers fire 30+ rounds and the news happily reports, “Thankfully, nobody was injured”.

    People might question why she fired the last 4 rounds. Having watched a Navy Seal hit a Coke can at 30 feet with a knife he easily (for him!!) flicked out from the wrist…. anyone with training, laying on the ground could flick a knife into your face.

    • Jd July 27, 2020, 9:21 am

      While your comment about being trained to “flick the knife” or box cutter in this incident could be correct, I would doubt that he had that training. But I also question why one of the officers did not have a Taser and or a night stick (baton) they could have used to deescalate the situation without killing?

      Older retired cops were taught to use the Baton for that purpose and were very successful in doing so for many many years before the Taser was ever thought of. The Baton was required equipment and on-going training.

      I think as a society we have been brainwashed by video games into believing that the only course of action is shooting. I am glad that I do not have to view the evidence and decide this young woman’s fate, as it would be very difficult. They had time to retrieve a Taser or Baton from the car. Don’t police officers there wear bullet proof vests? She is charged with protecting life, but doesn’t that also include the deceased man?

      • John B Holmes July 28, 2020, 12:39 am

        you are so wrong i don’t even know where to begin

      • e July 29, 2020, 7:10 pm

        When the cops use that “baton” ,you’ll post it on social media as excessive force!!! ‘She hit him to hard! Why didn’t she just swat at the knife? “HOLD ON LET ME RUN BACK TO THE CAR AND GET MY TASER” Meanwhile Hernandez chops up that person in the car directly beside her when she fired. I’m so sick of people just trying to stir the pot. TROLL TROLL TROLL

  • mo9catz July 24, 2020, 3:53 pm

    why did she shoot him for reacting to being shot? she taking cover from a knife? female cop fear is what we’re dealing with here. 2 shots and i would have approached him. and at least considered handcuffing. odds are pretty good that the INCAPACITATED subject would have become compliant. that guy posed no threat to people after 2 shots period. yes i said he was incapacitated after 2 rounds and THAT’S why she is being scrutinized.

    • bilker July 24, 2020, 8:31 pm

      “Hernandez then tried to get back up, still holding the knife, ” Seems like he was still trying to attack and still not obeying the officer. The officer did the proper action.

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:04 am

      There we have it, folks, the gospel of St. Hindsight of the Keyboard Warriors.
      If he was getting up, he wasn’t incapacitated.

      • e July 29, 2020, 8:34 pm

        Love this reply! I may barrow it?. I read most of the responses to all the comments. Yours are spot on and to the point every time.

    • Ray July 25, 2020, 1:40 pm

      I was trained at an early age by a Marine who survived several landings in the Pacific. He had two primary rules–never draw a weapon unless you were committed to use it and never stop shooting until the enemy is dead unless you are short of ammo or there are multiple targets. I have survived in unfriendly places for many years and I am very thankful for his advice. It is unfortunate the young officer apparently did not go for a kill shot immediately but understandable in the current environment.

    • Paul Lech July 27, 2020, 8:12 am

      t must be nice to be a monday moring quaterback. ” She should have” “She could have” How would you know!! You were not there! What is you LEO back round. Due you carry a gun daily. If you due is it for protection or show off to your buddies that your a big man with a gun but don’t have the baals to pull the trigger.
      Come to Pa. and we’ll do a re-enactment will a sharpie marker. We’ll see how many slashes you have & you would servive the encounter. This would still not be what she went through.
      If anyone had to protect me & my family I would want it to be some like her. She knows how the tools of the trade wook. She would be equeal to the master carftsman you would call to fix your house right the first time.

      SO, UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN IN AN EVENT LIKE THIS DO NOT PLACE BLAME ON LEOS!!!!!!!!!
      And have the balls to place your name to your comments.

    • John B Holmes July 28, 2020, 12:44 am

      And how many shootings have you been in. You shoot until the threat is stopped period. Unless you have been there you have no right to make a judgement call in clearly understandable terms your opinion doesn’t matter, you have no standing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • John B Holmes July 28, 2020, 12:51 am

      odds are you would be dead. You have no idea what you are talking about !

  • Tarasdad July 24, 2020, 3:50 pm

    Watched the videos of the incident and it’s as good a shoot as you’re ever going to find. The suspect started an aggressive approach when ordered to drop the knife and was clearly trying to get up and charge the officer when she fired the last 4 shots. This is also a perfect example of why you DO what someone with her training on the job, every shot hit the suspect. Every. Single. Shot. Her shooting was controlled, not banging off rounds as fast as possible as you see in all too many police shooting videos. Bystanders were in minimal danger with her behind the trigger.

  • Cpt'n John July 24, 2020, 2:42 pm

    Sounds like suicide by cop.

  • Peter Brown July 24, 2020, 2:37 pm

    Competitive shooter shoots and kills in self-defense……..would the anti-2nd Amendment zealots be happier if her fire struck an innocent person? There has been none and there is no pleasing our enemies.

  • Ricky Lott July 24, 2020, 1:58 pm

    The Right Thing is the Hardest too EVER ADMIT, WHEN YOUR RACISM IS HANGING OUT!

    She asked her Partner if he had Less Lethal, before the guy even cleared the truck! He had not cut anyone with his one inch box cutter, and with the distance and bystanders in her line of fire, how could any one other than Racist see justification in that Killing!

    Look in the Mirror People and Check THE HEART GOD GAVE YOU!

    • Robbie July 24, 2020, 5:58 pm

      I guess you had a better view from where you were than the guy who’s video was shown and him telling someone it was justified ( not his exact wording but is basically what he said ).

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:10 am

      You don’t have to wait for him to cut anyone. If you do that, then an innocent person is cut, perhaps fatally. Hint: do not approach an officer who has told you to stop and drop the weapon, with the weapon still in your hand.

      This isn’t racism … except maybe on the part of the knife-man who, seeing a white officer, thought she would be afraid to shoot. She COULD have made the first shots fatal at a much greater distance. Absolutely … she’s that good. But she didn’t.
      If he would have said, “Oh, wait a second, I’m getting shot. Maybe I should stop attacking the officer.” he’d be n the recovery room instead of the morgue.

      His fault. 100%

    • JOE HOOVER July 25, 2020, 8:23 am

      What the hell does any part of the shooting have to do with racism. That’s the problem when idiots don’t know what racism means. That’s the problem with the Country today from the blm gatbage. It has nothing to do with race. it’s a cop doing their job. Right or wrong is the issue, not racism.

    • Paul Lech July 27, 2020, 8:16 am

      Sound like your the racist. What dose color have to do with the incident. What if you only heard the audio of the incident? Would you have the same opinion?

    • e July 29, 2020, 7:57 pm

      Trolls win again… I’ll bite! RACIST??? Did you forget he rammed into 4 other cars? Those people needed medical attention! She is a racist for stopping the man who just attempted to kill what appears to be others of his own race? The other officer was actually helping the injured victims, not standing with his English Bobby Whistle asking a knife wielding maniac to “halt!” YOUR the problem, not this wonderful example of a “well” trained police officer! Others such as yourself just want to have the loudest voice no matter if it’s right. THANKFULLY there are Police that are still willing to do what HAS to be done! I hope good police across the country stick it out because even a liberal may need a “Racist Cop” to save their life someday!

  • Jeff B July 24, 2020, 1:56 pm

    When your job requires caring a gun , it’s a dam good thing to know how to use it , it’s unfortunate the situation , when they have to use it ! Would it of been ok if she missed ,then what ? It’s Not an easy job ,and never knowIng what’s going to happen , Thankfully she can handle it , split second decisions ,bad situations, I’m glad she’s a good shot ,to bad she had to shoot someone ,she will have to live with it forever ! Not like she wanted to have too !! It’s a tough job , I’m thankful for them all ,male or female ! I’m glad she’s a good shot ,not sending bullets all around her target ,unfortunately it was human ,and putting everyone there in harms way !!
    Best wishes to her ,for doing her job ,I wouldn’t want it ! Not in today’s world !! Best Wishes to all law enforcement to be safe ,and make it home to there family’s After there shifts !!

    • Johnny Lee Molette July 24, 2020, 6:30 pm

      The man already been shot twice and was down , if he did try to get up he wasn’t going anywhere , all she had to do is back up and see what happen. It was overkill , most officers don’t get to use their gun at the shooting range and when they get their chance to kill , going to do it . When you look at the killing it’s senseless coming from the ones suppose to serve and protect. I thought they were trained to disarm , deescalate , instead walk up start assaulting gang tackling killing person of interest . You can’t talk to the officers and they don’t respect your rights . THEY’RE LICENSED TO KILL AND THE BADGE PROVE IT .

      • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 9:31 pm

        And YOUR law enforcement experience is….?

      • pedo treasure July 24, 2020, 9:48 pm

        Hey stupid! You are correct when you said “MOST officers don’t get to use their gun at the shooting range”.
        Truth is, ALL officers get to use their firearms at the range and are required to periodically re-qualify to be able to carry on duty. This process protects them, their partners and fellow officers and the general public, which includes innocent bystanders. All of this to give you the freedom to continue to vote for Dems. I would also rephrase your statement;” when they get their chance to kill, going to do it.” to the following: “when they are required to defend themselves and others, they do it.” As for your statement regarding “senseless killings”, if you spoke directly about the George Floyd incident, you would be spot on. If you actually looked at the statistics of police involved shootings and other incidents in which the police were involved in taking a life, very few were wrongfully initiated and very few were against an unarmed civilian. AS for the remainder of your comment, nothing I could say nor show you would even begin to change your ideas of law enforcements’ roles and how they actually conduct themselves on the job. They are not perfect and there are bad cops but those exceptions are a tiny portion of law enforcement officers on the job today. I do call them “cops” and “police” sometimes but the name “law enforcement officers” fits the best. Because they enforce laws, most people who have stressful encounters with them are due to the situation they find themselves in. ( Even speeding on I95 ) Said too much – I’m done!

      • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:17 am

        He was still holding the knife.
        He was still dangerous.
        He was attempting to continue the attack.

        That’s the reality that she, as an officer, was facing. Using her firearm wasn’t even her first thought … she asked her partner if he had less-lethal means with him. Neither of them did.
        Everyone wants to see this from the victim’s perspective. Well, try this … if she had NOT shot him, SHE would have been the victim. HE made the decision to attack, not her.

        That woman spends a TON of time at the range. I promise you, she wasn’t firing for the novelty of hearing the firearm go off. She wasn’t wearing hearing protection and will likely suffer considerable hearing loss the rest of her life.
        I’ve read a review of her competitive shooting. She grew up shooting and fires roughly 1,000 rounds a month in practice, plus a similar number of rounds in competition.

      • John B Holmes July 28, 2020, 12:52 am

        your wrong period

  • Jim Davenport July 24, 2020, 1:49 pm

    As a former Marine and career (now retired) police officer, I have seen this before. I learned long ago to replace the pistol expert badge on my uniform with a sharpshooter badge! It’s ridiculous, but it is well known in law enforcement that an OIS will ALWAYS bring out the records to see the officer’s shooting scores. Clearly, she is a fine shot and enjoys shooting sports, but this is the sad result. I’m very glad she survived and I keep all my brothers and sisters in prayer daily. BACK THE BLUE!

  • Gunny July 24, 2020, 1:31 pm

    Excellent response to a significant threat and her qualifications, give her a gold shooting badge, give her a commendation and some serious consideration for a promotion! Everyone in this negative criminal setting where they are endangering others seems to have been a “gentile giant” (just on 1 or more types of drugs), were “Alter Boys” or some kind of “Angel”.

    Good Job Officer!

  • Jeff B July 24, 2020, 1:25 pm

    Why is it an issue if she was in competitive shooting ? If She can handle a gun ,and shoot accurately ,isn’t that what police are supposed to be able to do ? Or is it an issue she didn’t miss ,I’m sure she has had police training and is on the job , n no good cop wants to shoot anyone ! Unfortunately it’s part of there job if necessary, and it sounds like she didn’t have an option ! Thank her for knowing how to accurately hit her target , n not miss and accidentally shoot someone ,or something else !! It’s unfortunate, but part of being a cop in today’s world , is not easy ! And I’m sure she’s not proud of having to shoot anyone ,again thank her for being effective ,when forced to draw her weapon ! I have a lot of respect for the officers dealing with today’s issues !
    Sorry But , it sounds like she was doing her job ! And she has to live with it every day !! What would of happened if she missed , multiple ppl hurt , her and her partners ,n public’s safety ! I’d feel comfortable knowing ,My partner ,male or female , could handle themself in a bad situation !
    Thankfully ,I don’t have there job ,things are crazy now ,I want to thank all the good cops for there service !!

  • Jim July 24, 2020, 1:22 pm

    This Officer is a hero in many ways and not just because she took out a very dangerous man that wanted to murder her. Good job my Sister Officer.

  • FedUp July 24, 2020, 1:03 pm

    Great job, officer! Bad situation to be shoved into, but very well handled.

  • Mac McDonald July 24, 2020, 1:03 pm

    Don’t believe she shot him “because she was a competitive shooter” or a “media darling” or for other stupid reasons seen here/there…but…she shouldn’t have shot him at the point/time she did, all things considered. Yeah, maybe she was “by the book,” technically, legally, etc., but again…all things considered and based on what I saw on the video and with a pretty good sense/eye of distance and details, if not as good as from where SHE was, admittedly…I believe she should have given him a few more feet and seconds to respond/wake to her and possibly other’s commands, in addition to his situational awareness. There was easily safe time and distance to do so and still neutralize him if necessary. In short, I think she “jumped the gun,” no pun intended, but for reasons I know not any clear explanation for.

    This was NOT exactly a 4-5-6-inch hunting knife, nor other seriously intimidating weapon…looked like a bottle opener or box opener by the video…and he was not exactly charging from still about 20-feet away PLUS there were oodles of people all over the place. All training is sometimes subject to a degree of flexibility given certain situations, and that’s the difference between a legal/competent police officer…and yes, sometimes a dead one…and a really good police officer. Hate to say it, but believe she’s left herself and the department open for some legitimate criticism and adjustment of policy/practices, if not also legal action, and not just the frivolous kind. It’s been said/asked before…esp more recently about the Atlanta shooting…it may have been “by-the-book” legal, but was it really necessary as the best option at that time…? Am an ardent law/order police supporter, but they’re human and not perfect…and this wasn’t perfect.

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:33 pm

      BUT: YOU weren’t there. Were you? Ever been an LEO?

      • Mac McDonald July 25, 2020, 10:27 am

        No…were you…? C’mon, smart-alleck, we’re all using the video to base comments, understandably not in her shoes and I said as much (“not in her position/shoes”) READ IT…! And to your second question, yes…22 years in So. CA, 1973-1995.

    • Wiz July 24, 2020, 3:55 pm

      Hey Mac, remember back in September 11, 2001, a bunch of guys killed a whole lot of people with box cutters probably similar to this guys weapon. But what the heck it was only an inch long but there a lot of important blood vessels just under the skin. She gave him plenty of warnings but he never listened and gave up his right to be around, Period. This country for some reason has gone off kilter and the Cops are bad people until you need one, then who ya gonna call. Get real dude life is tough but it’s tougher if you’r stupid. By the law for the Law. Get over yourself.

      • bilker July 24, 2020, 8:41 pm

        amen. if they don’t want the cops to pprotect them let cal mad max waters. oh but only if you’re a “brother”.

      • Mason July 25, 2020, 12:04 am

        Agreed…terrorists used box cutters to attack on planes during 911….anyone attacking a person with lethal intent must be put down… otherwise are we supposed to allow someone to injure or kill us???? That is why it is calmed “defense” … if the outcome is the death of the perp… so be it… heaven or hell for the offending dirt bag will be up to God…

    • John Boutwell July 24, 2020, 5:58 pm

      You do understand that you are an idiot and don’t understand what you are talking about.

      • Mac McDonald July 25, 2020, 10:47 am

        Yes, I certainly “do understand that you are…etc.” but in the interest and hope of still having a healthy, intelligent and mature exchange of differing viewpoints, I’ll tolerate and even overlook your condition.

        • John Boutwell July 25, 2020, 7:10 pm

          You could always do a little research into just how much ground a perp with a knife can cover, in what time and compare that to reaction times. And then apologize to me and the other intelligent people here!

    • Ben July 24, 2020, 7:59 pm

      Sounds like another instance in which police officers found themselves confronted by what was probably a person with undiagnosed/untreated/poorly managed mental health issues and, not being mental health experts, responded according to what she WAS trained to do; hence the textbook shooting. So I don’t disagree that there is potential for things to have gone differently if she had known how to better approach the situation from a behavioral health professional’s perspective, but that isn’t what she’s trained and equipped for. She’s trained to be a law enforcement officer and the law says cutting people with box cutters (or anything else) is bad and if you insist on doing it even when told repeatedly to stop by armed officers then yeah, you’re going to get shot. It’s easy to second guess the officer, but if that officer was your wife or your daughter or grand daughter what would you have her do in that circumstance. Risk everything to try and deescalate an armed man who has already hurt others and/or himself and isn’t responding to commands or err on the side of everyone else’s safety and stop the threat with force when words aren’t enough? Would you expect any random patrol officer to step up and be a competent hostage negotiator no matter who the hostages were? As with most things in life, I think we get what we pay for when it comes to law enforcement. Want law enforcement officers who are amazing at deescalating armed crazy people who can’t or won’t follow simple orders? How much money did you spend to train them to be able to do that? And thank goodness that this lady was a competitive shooter and could put her shots where they needed to go because I’ve never heard of a police department having so much funding that it’s officers had more than enough practical training, ammunition, and time to be proficient with a handgun in all kinds of high stress circumstances and situations. I thank you for being honest enough to admit there’s potential for improvement and better outcomes. I agree with you, I just don’t believe it’s right or reasonable to expect those outcomes without seriously investing in proper training and education for our LEOs first.

    • bilker July 24, 2020, 8:38 pm

      His weapon is the same as the arab terrorists used to hijack 3 airplanes and kill thousands of people. The officer did the right thing.

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:39 am

      Mack, find your eye. How deep is it? Will a 1″ blade reach it? What is the result of a near-miss? How about the arteries in your arms, your carotids, your esophagus. Suppose he made a lengthwise slice up your abdomen or crosswise just above your belt. What happens to your use of your hand (for the rest of your life) if an attacker makes a 1″ deep cut with a razor knife from your wrist to a joint between your fingers?

      Now, how do you feel about his blade being only 1″ long?

      Knives are notoriously difficult to defend against.

      She’s female … what else besides her face do you think he might have aimed for? You got that straight, Skippy. Level III armor, which, if she was wearing ANY, that’s what she would likely have had on, is not knife proof.

      Twenty feet away is only about 1 second. Try it sometime. In that single second she would have had to recognize that he was attacking and got through the motions of aiming and shooting a man for whom two well-placed shots is provably not enough. That 20′ is what gets cops killed.

      At the level she competes at, she could have dumped the entire magazine in him before he hit the ground the first time. She didn’t. She showed restraint.

      She tried two rounds. When that didn’t work, she tried 4. That’s only 6 total … she still had rounds left in the magazine. Even at a total of 6, she still showed restraint. That woman can knock the top off a Coke bottle at 25 yds. She had the choice of taking a head shot or spine and DID NOT TAKE IT.

      She should never be charged.

  • smos July 24, 2020, 12:24 pm

    i’m so mad i want to punch my phone screen, this has nothing to do with her competitive shopping background. thank you officer Toni for keeping LA safe 🙏

    for how much longer… who knows

  • sfvshooter July 24, 2020, 11:39 am

    In light of everything that’s transpired over the last several years, anytime LE (white) kills a brown person, it’s going to get a lot of scrutiny. The fact she fired 6 times, didn’t use less lethal (as she requested in the video), and it was caught on video probably won’t help either.

    Was this shooting as bad as some of the ones we’ve seen where suspects are shot in the back, shot when they’re not armed, or just sitting in the car? No. However, not sure if it’s as clean cut as everyone believes it is. And LAPD has a history of horrible shootings (look up LAPD Van Nuys hostage shooting) so that won’t help either.

    • Mike July 24, 2020, 1:09 pm

      Police are trained to shoot to stop the threat she fired until the suspect went down then he attempted to get back up with the knife still in his hand she fired again until the threat was neutralized. If you notice the suspect still has the knife in his hand when the other officers cuff him. Also she was asking her partner if he had less lethal obviously he didn’t she did a great job and should be commended, she was also trying to get bystanders out of the area while dealing with the armed suspect, once again she did a great job.

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:40 pm

      sfvshooter: do some research on FORCE CONTINUUM as taught in LE training academies.

  • Clem July 24, 2020, 11:37 am

    I guess the lawyer is hungry. I wish the lawyer had to pay when they lose. Justified shooting.

  • George July 24, 2020, 11:34 am

    “Shoot it’s only a box cutter” And it was only a box cutter that brought down the Trade Center’s on 9/11. A weapon is a weapon is a weapon. Maybe the unfortunate dead man should have used “less than lethal”

  • Easy Eddie July 24, 2020, 11:32 am

    Yeah…they’re always loving, family oriented people. They just walk around with blades threatening LEOs. Loving indeed. Yeah. Sure.

  • Emilio Corleone July 24, 2020, 11:26 am

    I support all non corrupt law enforcement and God Bless all that put their life at risk for protecting the good citizens against the harm of others. We need to filter this country out of criminals , drugs and non patriots . We need to bring values back to our country, Get armed , aim well , make it just, make it count. God Bless America and the good people supporting clean healthy ideas, moral values , God , and Patriotism.

  • joyce roland July 24, 2020, 11:15 am

    well,,,,as the saying goes……who brings a box cutter to a gun fight….OKAY SWEETS LET ME TELL YOU HOW TO BEAT THE LAWSUIT…PULL DUDE’S DRUG AND MENTAL RECORDS,ARREST RECORDS,DOMESTIC RECORDS,CRIMINAL HISTORY,EYE WITNESS STATEMENTS FROM ALL EVENTS BOTH PAST AND PRESENT,BODY CAM FOOTAGE,TOXICOLOGYAND AUTOSPY REPORTS ……BOOM ….SEE IF ANY OF HIS FAMILY MEMBERS WILL GIVE STATEMENTS OR THEY’VE BEEN ARRESTED FOR ANYTHING…..

  • Jeff Cordell July 24, 2020, 11:14 am

    I’ve been an officer for twenty years and what I find interesting is how her Internet history is being used against her. When the riots started up a couple months ago I finally gave in and removed much of my Internet presence. I deleted several of my accounts and those that I have kept I have edited severely and removed photos of my in uniform and so on. I doesn’t appear that she really said or did anything outrageous, but in this current political environment that doesn’t matter. I have five more years and then I’m calling it quits. I’d retire now, but I’m just not ready. Five more years.

  • Scott Kitzerow July 24, 2020, 10:49 am

    Thank god she has had good training. Otherwise she could be another statistic. The criminals will never have rights in my mind when doing such acts. He clearly had intentions of doing harm and a knife can be more deadly than a bullet.

  • Patrick Finnie July 24, 2020, 10:47 am

    It’s too bad that the subject put this Officer in the position where she had to do what she had to do. I don’t know, nor at this point, do I think that his motivation for committing “suicide by cop” much matters, he did it, he achieved the results he sought. I feel sorry for the Officer being put in this position, but if it wasn’t her, it would have been another officer. My heart also goes out to the subjects family and friends.

  • MARTY gray July 24, 2020, 10:44 am

    My son and daughter-in- law are police officers! If someone was coming at them with a knive, I would want them to stop that person no matter how they had to,with a gun or whatever

  • John Boutwell July 24, 2020, 10:36 am

    I saw the video and the shooting was justified.

  • Bob July 24, 2020, 9:35 am

    “There was no attempt to deescalate whatsoever,” said Marina Vergara, Hernandez’s sister. “I wasn’t there that day, I don’t know what happened,” she said. “The only thing I do know is that my brother was a loving person.”

    What?? You weren’t there but your brother was a loving person. So that’s what loving people do attack others with a box cutter? Why even make a comment if you have nothing sensible to say?? The dude got what he had coming. Hopefully this won’t take a toll on this young officer mentally with what the dead person’s family is going to put her through all in the hopes of a ghetto lottery payday.

    • Michael Keim July 24, 2020, 10:50 am

      Every time the cops shoot some thug to protect their lives one of the thug’s relatives babbles on about what a loving, wonderful person he was. Maybe they should have taught him how to behave.

    • Ricky Lott July 24, 2020, 12:36 pm

      The Right Thing is the Hardest too EVER ADMIT, WHEN YOUR RACISM IS HANGING OUT!

      She asked her Partner if he had Less Lethal, before the guy even cleared the truck! He had not cut anyone with his one inch box cutter, and with the distance and bystanders in her line of fire, how could any one other than Racist see justification in that Killing!

      Look in the Mirror People and Check THE HEART GOD GAVE YOU!

      • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:48 pm

        You’ve never worn a badge, so you have NO IDEA. Shut your pie hole until you’ve walked in OUR boots.

      • Wayne Rausch July 24, 2020, 2:13 pm

        Use your head for something besides growing hair! By asking about non-lethal, she was trying to think ahead as to a way to prevent a death in case lethal force became necessary. As a retired elected Sheriff with 32 years experience, (read someone who knows what he talking about instead of spouting BS) I see someone who legally and justifiably did what she needed to do! There would be a lot less shootings if these idiots OBEYED COMMANDS, instead of acting as though the world rotates just for them.

      • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:47 am

        YOUR racism is hanging out. You’re hating on her because the man attacking her was black and she is not. But HE attacked HER … not the other way around.

  • Dale Francis July 24, 2020, 9:30 am

    From what I could see the police women didn’t look as though she was in immediate danger. Even after the first shot when he went their was enough time to apprehend the prospect. She wasn’ shooting a grizzliy bear.

    • Michael Keim July 24, 2020, 11:04 am

      Maybe you should have pulled your head out of your ass when you watched the video.

    • Rick July 24, 2020, 11:17 am

      “Even after the first shot when he went their was enough time to apprehend the prospect.”

      Prospect? Belly laugh. No wonder you couldn’t understand the video. You can’t even write a legible sentence!

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:49 pm

      The ‘armchair quarterbacks’ are out in force today.

  • Keith A July 24, 2020, 9:30 am

    Pathetic, About time to start making plaintiffs of cases that should not be cases pay for filing them after they loose and time to star chambering a bunch of these other bad guys when they are caught and released.

  • MagnumOpUS July 24, 2020, 9:25 am

    I think she ‘deescalated’ the situation rather nicely and expediently!

    To Hell with all the posters here criticizing her for doing this!

    Being a competitive shooter means she was precise -unlike the incident in Dallas in which a dumbass cop shot at a charging dog and ended up killing an innocent elderly woman instead.

    • ray July 24, 2020, 10:56 am

      He was a threat the threat was neutralized problem solved should not even have to fill out a report. Good job go get another one.

  • SD July 24, 2020, 9:22 am

    The only thing about this shooting that bothered me was there were innocent bystanders directly behind the suspect. Any miss could have killed an innocent person. While I agree she was justified in shooting, I don’t think she was aware of what was beyond her target. I don’t know if she had less than lethal or not but in this situation, it would have been a better choice given the background.

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:51 pm

      Her TRAINING gave her the CONFIDENCE to engage the threat.

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:51 am

      Do you REALLY think that there was much chance of her missing? If she ever needs to shoot past me, I hope she takes the shot.
      There are no participation awards in competitive shooting. There is only the timed shot and the objective score. This woman practices more in a month than most cops will in a lifetime. When she pulls the trigger, she KNOWS where the bullet is going. And her duty bullets are designed not to exit.

  • Giovanni July 24, 2020, 9:09 am

    Well done, officer! Blue lives matter!

    • KDS July 24, 2020, 10:14 am

      Their mad because she knows how to shoot.

  • Nick July 24, 2020, 9:06 am

    The family will get money. The officers training and comments will be successfully used against her and the fact that she immediately fired a second time as the guy tried to stand up will be viewed as “excessive.” Even though it wasn’t. There were people standing around who could have been hurt. Etc

    • Bob July 24, 2020, 9:40 am

      I disagree Nick. Standard practice is stop the threat. She was as justified in shooting the second time as she was the first. Of course the family is looking for money but we’ll see if they get any. Just another attempt for this family to become ghetto lottery winners.

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:53 pm

      See my above comment about her TRAINING and CONFIDENCE.

  • Alej Marcos July 24, 2020, 8:56 am

    Please move to Texas, Nice Lady. You’ll be perfectly at home (specially if you drive a pickup truck ). : )

    Best of luck !

  • Michael R Stuhr July 24, 2020, 8:48 am

    She HIT the man because she is a practiced, competitive shooter. She shot the man because she had to.
    I’d rather read about him shot than an officer cut up or killed by a thug

  • T bone July 24, 2020, 8:42 am

    who’s side are you on? The free people of America or the government? I think what she displayed was excessive force to say the least. Everyone has a potential for violence, that’s not a good enough reason to murder and I say murder because he never had a chance to survive. Get real though, first 2 shots but he tried to get up and then 4 more! Shouldn’t it be the other way around. Here’s a thought, if she is so easily afraid for her life then maybe find a job at Walmart.

    • Bob July 24, 2020, 9:46 am

      T Bone,

      If you would just control yourself and resist the urge to comment here most people would not know how ignorant you truly are. You clearly have no concept of the continuum of force, the criminal justice system or quite frankly any amount of common sense. Don’t go away mad just go away!!

    • Hondo July 24, 2020, 9:59 am

      We got it the first time time you wrote it, you simpleton . Now STFU and let the adults discuss. Where do uneducated imbecile’s come from , I’m just tired of these crybaby leftist like T Boner .

    • KCsmith July 24, 2020, 10:27 am

      The ignorance of the above post is staggering, as is the complete lack of logical thinking ability.

      I can tell a millennial’s comment every time, they drip with stupidity.

    • Rick July 24, 2020, 10:29 am

      Murder? BS.
      Police training is to aim for center mass and neutralize the threat which she did!
      Maybe she should’ve of shot him in the leg? Right Uncle Joe?

    • Michael Keim July 24, 2020, 11:07 am

      You’re incredibly stupid.

    • Motorbandit July 24, 2020, 12:24 pm

      You face a lunitic with a box cutter and tell me what you would do. Police are not required to retreat before use of deadly force. They meet it with greater force. Who started this “de-esculate” nonsense anyway? You challenge an officer,you pay the ultimate price. You go girl,I would work with her any day!
      That officer deserves a commendation bar for Heroism,to where proudly on her uniform for other officers to see. Maybe some will rub off.

    • Wizzid0 July 24, 2020, 12:26 pm

      T Bone, repeating one’s statements are a sure sign of mental illness. I implore you to contact your therapist immediately.

      [See comment @ JULY 24, 2020, 7:54 AM]

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:54 pm

      T bone: ‘You think’? Really?

  • Jack July 24, 2020, 8:37 am

    Good shoot , let’s not forget the 21 foot rule.

  • Rich July 24, 2020, 8:37 am

    The Officer performed exactly how she should have “by the book.” Sad there was a loss of life but society has changed the game not holding people accountable. A person who sees an officer in uniform displaying a badge and a gun and still disobeys isn’t prudent.

  • JMichael270 July 24, 2020, 8:26 am

    Thank You for your service officer. It’s nice to see your positive gun control by hitting the moving target rather than something or someone else. You did well.

  • Ronald Hutches July 24, 2020, 8:19 am

    She does it by the book.
    Controls her shots , “because of her training ” so as to not put others in danger.
    She is doing her job.
    Looks like her only option to deescalate the situation was to shoot him.
    For some reason people believe that if an officer tells you to do something that it is ok to not follow that directive.
    The person given the directive is also part of the deescalation process.
    If a law enforcement officer, soldier, or firefighter tells you to do something. “Do it.”

  • PB- dave July 24, 2020, 8:13 am

    I see way too many ignorant comments posted here….. Just like reporters or politicians who say ” an unarmed man with a knife” ANY object is a weapon, if used as a weapon. Hammers, wrenches, sticks, and rocks…… they all kill if the mindset behind their use is an evil one. The cops are put in a no-win situation every day, protect the populous but don’t hurt anyone doing it…….

  • Robert corsello July 24, 2020, 8:08 am

    God bless her. EVERY cop should be this good with their firearm. I’ll gladly donate to her defense fund. And if a judge had any balls, they’d throw out any wrongful death suits. Brandish a weapon and defy police commands to drop it ? You deserve to die. It’s really pretty simple.

  • T bone July 24, 2020, 7:54 am

    F the police, who’s side are you on? The free people of America or the government? I think what she displayed was excessive force to say the least. Everyone has a potential for violence, that’s not a good enough reason to murder and I say murder because he never had a chance to survive. Get real though, first 2 shots but he tried to get up and then 4 more! Shouldn’t it be the other way around. Here’s a thought, if she is so easily afraid for her life then maybe find a job at Walmart.

    • Howard July 24, 2020, 10:17 am

      Well, T-Bone, “walk a mile in a cops’ shoes” and see if you still feel that way when someone comes at you with a box-cutter!

    • Strat57L July 24, 2020, 11:29 am

      Hey T-bone… His opportunity/chance to “survive” was given when ordered to drop the weapon! He made a conscious choice to ignore that command and chose suicide by cop instead. That’s simply a pathetic way out, as opposed to facing ones problems and taking positive actions to resolve them! So my suggestion to you would be to take your own advise and “Get real”!

    • Mikey July 24, 2020, 1:34 pm

      Well, T-Bone, you sound like a Black Lives Matter supporter, and a cop hater. Too bad that your minions are not in the majority in this country, and never will be. I was an LEO for 35 years, and proudly retired. I always worked under the belief that ALL lives matter, but in this instance, the asshole was trying to injure or kill and officer. I never had to shoot anyone, but, frankly, if I’d been in this young lady’s position, I’d have dropped the asshole with the boxcutter like a bad habit. And, like this young officer, I’d have shot him again when he tried to get up with the cutter still in his hand. T-Bone, you need to rename yourself “Bone-Head”. BLUE LIVES MATTER!!!

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 1:59 pm

      In Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of ‘stupid’ includes a reference to ‘T bone’. Also included is a statement by Forrest Gump: “You can’t fix stupid.”

    • Bearded Sandman July 24, 2020, 2:25 pm

      You are an f’n idiot! I am so perplexed how these leftists justify anything?! Defund police and all this shit!! As well as trying to take guns away so that one can protect their self.
      You go girl, rack the slide and protect yourself again.
      Blue Lives Matter MF’r

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:55 am

      I’m on the side of the free people … who are tired of the tyranny of the lawless. Whose side are YOU on?

  • Arnold Ziffel July 24, 2020, 7:51 am

    Her competitive shooting skills and her police training gives her an edge in that she understands and can deliver shot placement. Where I live, there was an officer involved shooting and that officer was high on adrenaline and shot everywhere except for hitting the assailant. In the video, she was managing the situation extremely well.

  • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 7:17 am

    ‘Daddy’s little girl’ did good! God bless and protect her!

  • Rudytbone July 24, 2020, 6:51 am

    “There was no attempt to deescalate whatsoever,” said Marina Vergara, Hernandez’s sister. “I wasn’t there that day, I don’t know what happened,” she said.

    One of these statements is true. But they’re still suing.

  • pjw July 24, 2020, 6:43 am

    Officer McBride, thank you for your service. Officer you followed all your department’s policies and have done
    nothing wrong. Thank you again for your service.

    • SD July 24, 2020, 9:07 am

      She absolutely did something wrong. Watch the video again. Did you see what was beyond her target?

      • pjw July 24, 2020, 11:03 am

        SD yes the background was an urban street scene with people. The officer warned the assailant armed with an edged weapon, and discharged her weapon. The officer was able to stop the threat. In a shooting situation, one doesn’t have a backstop as in a shooting range. The lady is one damn good shot.

      • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 12:58 am

        Do you think she had a better alternative? “Excuse me sir, could you move over a couple feet? I don’t want to harm anyone behind you.”

        Do you know what the penetration of her bullets is?

        She does.

  • etph July 24, 2020, 6:37 am

    When I saw where this incident took place, I immediately knew why the LEO is being persecuted. I unfortunately live in L.A. County. This is one of the worst counties and cities to live in for free people. It’s a world of Bizzaro where everything is inverted. Criminals are victims and victims are criminals. The city has a high recidivism rate. The majority of the demographic is beholden to leftist government that runs the city and most of L.A. County. There’s a cognitive dissonance among the demographic where guns are considered evil, so only LEOs and criminals should have them. They tolerate gangs while trying to keep a safe distance. They also disdain LE but ironically call them when needed. It’s a huge pile of confusion and garbage, as can be readily seen in downtown L.A. It’s amazing that this LEO hasn’t received worse treatment. Or maybe it’s because the demographic believes that guns are sentient, so they are violent and the main cause of problems–not the criminals and gangs that roam the streets.

    • sfvshooter July 24, 2020, 11:23 am

      Um I live in L.A….actual city of Los Angeles, not just the county or the area.

      It’s not perfect, but what’s up with the hyperbole. I agree L.A. isn’t gun friendly, but neither is most of California. Yet those of us still put up the good fight. And I like L.A. with its diverse areas and people.

      If you hate it so much, maybe move to OC.

  • Dave July 24, 2020, 5:55 am

    She did an excellent job. Put away another psycho, and protected society at large. The only problem is, she signed on to the wrong police force in the wrong state. Ca. is a communist/socialist state. And according to them, you have no right to self defense, especially if you do competitive shooting. So in their eyes, you are a “bad person”, who needs to be punished. She is realizing she is living in a sick, demented state …which is what California is !

  • ron July 24, 2020, 5:05 am

    I sure wish I could shoot like that…

  • KO July 24, 2020, 4:25 am

    Heartwarming less-than-lethal devices and warning shots are always the fantasy solution to those who refuse to accept the amount of violence, speed and momentum that an enraged, potentially deranged and possibly drugged human can summon.

    The mere fact that people (especially on this site) are incapable of considering how insanely fast that situation could have resulted in her being maimed/bled out from a blade wound, being generally overpowered and/or had her weapon taken from her and used against her or others, is disheartening.

    Even when this sort thing is patiently explained (to one of the rare idiot sheep that will actually shut their pie hole for three seconds) citing both personal experiences and readily available recorded examples, you can STILL see their eyes glaze over while their mind searches for some way to shift the argument to some sort of peripherally related anti-law enforcement bullet point. Logic has become irrelevant.

    I believe that on this and many other subjects, where an otherwise intelligent liberal person so obviously has to lie to themselves to support their tightly held biases, their brains flail from the cognitive dissonance, resulting in their angry, spit flinging, emotional and irrational tirades.

    The next time you have this conversation, move back about 21 feet, shift from angry ranter to insanely angry, and charge them at full speed. See how great they are at de-escalating during that 2 second or less interval.

    We are divided for a reason.

    • Matt Lowry July 24, 2020, 10:18 am

      Well said!!!

    • Brandon July 24, 2020, 10:28 am

      Well said, sir. Absolutely perfect, actually.

  • Jerry Beeker July 24, 2020, 3:45 am

    Outstanding Officer McBride!!! Enough said.

  • La mont cop killa July 24, 2020, 3:24 am

    Nah ! She prob was way to happy to waste da brutha ! Anotha unjust shooting ! We all know hands up means shoot ! She prob put her knee on his neck ! We fitn to got paid we gotta work twice as hard n get shot cuz yal ignorance. Shyt be changin thou ya kneel to us .

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 8:28 am

      Idiot! Where are the moderators?

    • Derr Gary July 24, 2020, 8:36 am

      You my friend have some mental issues, and should get some help.

    • Michael Keim July 24, 2020, 11:13 am

      PLEASE take an english class! That way only your comments will make you look stupid.

    • davud July 24, 2020, 11:41 am

      it’s sarcasm and not the subtle kind, einsteins,

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 1:01 am

      You forgot the /sarcasm tag. Or the /humoralert tag.
      Without those …

  • Scouse. July 24, 2020, 2:58 am

    Most posters here, have missed the most important part of this situation. The shot person was quite mad!
    Either insane, or as in a lot of Police encounters today, he was under the influence of illegal drugs.
    Her mandate is simple, Protect and Serve. She did.

  • alma martinez July 23, 2020, 10:51 am

    This officer clearly warned the suspect. With all that is going on in this time in age he never should have stepped out of his vehicle with a weapon. He should have stepped out with his hands up in the sky being that he had already caused so much damage to so many people. This officers shooting background has nothing to do with this incident against her, except being a plus for her career. Good job officer, you saved your life and that of your fellow officers not to mention the vast majority of people involved on the
    scene. So sorry for this mans family loss.

  • MlOwens July 22, 2020, 8:51 pm

    Totally justified. Box cutter will kill you as dead as any knife. The person was approaching her while her partner was away so less lethal option was not available.

    • James July 24, 2020, 6:55 am

      A couple of box cutters took down the towers. Never Forget!

  • Kenneth July 22, 2020, 8:20 pm

    Let’s see how you react when a person is charging you with a box cutter. Its easy to talk when you are not the person being judge.

    • Skip Pruitt July 24, 2020, 6:30 am

      Most People don’t realize how fast someone can approach you when they have a weapon (especially within 7 yards). Unfortunate for his family🙏🏽

  • John July 22, 2020, 3:17 pm

    IT WAS NOT A KNIFE.. IT WAS A BOX CUTTER .. ? THEY DONT CARRY STUN GUNS ANYMORE .. GUN FOR A BOX CUTTER CARRYING SUSPECT .. haven’t seen vid or anything but her training could’ve diluted her judgment..

    • Mark N. July 23, 2020, 1:45 am

      Have you forgotten so soon? On September 11, 2001, two planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, another into the Pentagon, a fourth into the ground when the passengers fought back, knowing they would die. The weapons used by the terrorists? Yup, that’s right, box cutters. A box cutter is more than sufficient to open up a major vein or artery and cause death.

    • Mike July 23, 2020, 10:34 am

      To all the arm chair quarterbacks:

      This is a common sense issue: Police officer tells you to stop (drop the knife in this instance). You stop. Simple, obey the law and it’s enforcers. Unless it’s in California, where liberal thinking protect criminals, because they can. And do.

      This officer did her best, 3x’s drop the knife. Nope, he came after her. What should she have done? When seconds count, he’s rushing her, one needs to stop the threat. She did her job.

      She kept her cool, tried her best to defuse the attack. This wasn’t a Hollywood movie scene, no re-do’s , retakes. Real life, right now, in her lap, it’s personal.

      Well done officer.

      • Michael Keim July 24, 2020, 11:15 am

        Mike,

        Right on!!!!

    • ron July 24, 2020, 5:06 am

      Exactly – “I don’t know anything about what happened, but she was the bad guy and he was the good guy!”

      Shades of barry the apologizer…
      BTW – I DID see the video, and you could too, if you want to actually learn anything.

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 7:26 am

      Typical ‘armchair quarterback’ response. BTW, John: What’s your background? Have you put on a vest or worn a badge? Do you kiss and hug your family before leaving for work KNOWING that you may not be coming home? ‘Going home’ is THE #1 GOAL of every officer. I know it was mine. My training helped insure that I did, and I did A LOT of extra training on my own.

    • W10 July 24, 2020, 8:52 am

      John, your comment is tactically and legally ignorant.

      Law – she is not required by law (or policy) to de-escalate or choose the least intrusive alternative. The law requires offices to chose a reasonable alternative, not the best, not the least intrusive, just one of the multiple reasonable alternatives out there. The Supreme Court has said so multiple times.

      Your suggestion that they use a “stun gun” is, frankly, ludicrous. A knife is a deadly threat. A box cutter is a deadly threat. As people have pointed out box cutters killed 3,000 Americans on 9/11/01. While it is her option to use a less lethal means to stop a deadly threat she is under no legal or policy requirement to do so. In addition doing so would be tactically stupid. Were the suspect to attack and the less lethal device fail, as they OFTEN do, she wouldn’t have time to draw her handgun before he was on her. The average human being can cover 21’ or 7 yards in 1.5 seconds. The suspect looked like a very big, fit person. He appeared to be 7-10 yards from her, at most. If she was using a taser and fumbling around with it and it didn’t work and he charged her she would have them been obligated to get rid of the taser, draw her handgun and stop the suspect BEFORE he got to her. Could you do that? I doubt it. Could she as a competitive shooter? Although unlikely under the scenario as I’ve described, she might have come close but it’s clear that he wouldn’t have stopped on one shot (because as he demonstrated when she shot him the first time he didn’t stop) and he would have been on her with his box cutter. Police officers are not legally required to gamble with their lives. Furthermore, as noted jurist and Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, a combat infantry veteran of the Civil War, wrote in a legal opinion on self defense in Brown v. United States, “detached reflection cannot be demanded in the face of an uplifted knife.”

      De-escalation is a policy issue, not a legal issue, and most PD policies require officers to de-escalate “if possible.” In this case she DID try to de-escalate by not shooting him immediately and by telling him to drop the knife multiple times, which he refused and continued to approach her. She is an authority figure and when police officers direct citizens to do things the citizen is LEGALLY OBLIGATED to do as directed by the police officer.

      Tactics – her tactics were exemplary and her situational awareness was superb, particularly for a relatively young and inexperienced police officer…a kid to my generation.

      She directed bystanders out of the way, she communicated very effectively with her partner, she positioned herself to have the best clear shot at him while being mindful of the innocent bystanders beyond him and not allowing him to move to a position that would place them in the line of fire should she miss. Had she allowed him to wander around any more bystanders might have been placed directly behind the suspect and therefore in the line of fire. Her tactics, positioning and decision to shoot when she did prevented that.

      I’ve already discussed the tactical stupidity and potential dangerous ramifications of trying to use a less lethal option like a taser against the suspect.

      So there you have it. Your comments ignored the law, proper tactics and common sense and were absolutely foolish. Otherwise they were fine. 😏

      And yes, I’m a cop and a lawyer in case you were wondering.

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 1:03 am

      A box cutter IS a knife. Derrrrr

  • Kathy July 22, 2020, 3:09 pm

    If she told 3 times to drop the knife then he knew she had every right to protect everyone and herself. These police officers have every right to do their job. Now you say she is competitive. Your all Ignorant to think that she’s a competitive shooter. She was doing her job. Good for her.

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 7:31 am

      When I was an LEO I shot competively. I shot IPSC and IDPA. Competition is a GREAT way to introduce STRESS to your firearms training.

  • Laurie Ford July 22, 2020, 2:30 pm

    I have the utmost Respect n Admiration for any Law Inforcing Police Officers it’s sad so many times they are given a bad name n treated worse then the CRIMINALS they r defending us n our families from. I’m a survivor of domestic violence. So many times my children n I would’ve been dead if not for the Police Officers if anything so many times it felt as tho they gave too much time n too many chances to the abuser. They were always there to help n protect. After living in fear of my life and my childrens EVERYDAY I took Gun Safety courses as well as enrolled my children. We all learned to protect ourselves and also started hunting together as a family n stocking our freezers for winter. There’s a passion once u learn to respect your weapon n treat it as such. We ALWAYS locked our firearms away unloaded n ammunition totally separate I taught that b4 I EVER allowed a child near a firearm. I began competively shooting skeet n competitions n loved every 2nd of it. My family didn’t agree because “Young Ladies don’t shoot guns ” Correct young ladies become master’s of their weapon n protect the lives of children that we YOUNG LADIES bring into this world. I lost my 19 yr old son to a gun in 2013 n of course it was my fault for ever bringing a gun into their lives. But sad to say if I hadn’t I most likely would’ve lost before then or they would’ve lost me. This officer acted w complete regard n respect for this situation. He did not listen to any of her commands n he acted w complete disregard everyone’s life including all of the vehicles he plowed into which the officer had no idea if there was a victim in another vehicle fighting for their life maybe a baby or small child. It’s hard to be a family that has lost a loved 1 n it’s heartbreaking to loose in anyway but given the situation n the fact that the victim was stabbing n cutting his own self before cops arrive I feel he was trying to take anyway out at that point anyway he could have that happen worked. These r only my opinions n not of any other of persuasion. It’s my recollection of listening too n watching the video numerous times. I think it’s sad the he’ll our Police Officers are being put thru these days. But if you have a daughter that’s been raped, beat the life out of by a partner, a child in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, c child hit by someone not stopping for a school bus the situations go on but Who do u call 911 n who’s there in record time to help. EVERYTIME no matter how many times cursed at them, called them obscene names, given them the finger gesture whatever ignorance has been involved in disrespecting them. So for everyone that wants to Refund the cops, disrespect try to put your Damon ignorance aside n think about the idiot remarks n gestures u lower yourself to express n think about ” the he’ll would you idiots do without them. Again this is only MY OPINION I’m only voicing it because these people put their lives on the line EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THEIR LIVES for us. They leave parents, spouses children lovers friends everyday not knowing if that’ll be the last I love you, have a good day, see u after my shift that they will EVER say again. There’s bad seeds in everything n everyone but doesn’t mean that we should treat the majority as if their just a piece of trash on side of the . Is it that hard to give n show respect these days? I just to thank all that protect n serve n put their lives on the line everyday for a safer place for all of us.

  • Curt July 22, 2020, 2:27 pm

    She just wanted to kill someone…anyone !

    • Mark N. July 23, 2020, 1:23 am

      No, dipshit, this was suicide by cop. First this guy caused a major accident involving five vehicles, and what happened next strongly suggests that the accident was no accident, but a suicide attempt that failed. Callers to 911 reported that he was sitting in his truck cutting himself until the officers arrived. When he sees them, he hops out of his truck and makes a bee line for the squad. The female officer warned her partner and ordered the man to stop. he did not. He clearly had a box cutter in his hand, as shown in a witness video taken as the event unfolded. Se shot twice–measured, accurate shots. He went down, but immediately hopped back up, grabbing his blade as he did. She shot twice more. He went down again, but yet again he is moving to get to his feet when she fires twice more.

      The rule in defensive shootings is quite simple: shoot to stop the threat; and keep shooting until the threat is stopped. That is precisely what this officer did.

      The video evidence, plus the accident and the 911 calls, are all consistent with a conclusion that for whatever reason, this man had set out to die that day. He succeeded.

    • Kenny Smith July 24, 2020, 7:06 am

      Curt, I don’t know if you are a troll or what , but clearly you must watch the video again if you have seen it, Because the officer was completely justified in her approach and conclusion of the situation ! Keep up the good work out there to all LEO’S everywhere !

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 7:33 am

      Were you ‘born stupid’, or do you pay for lessons?

      • Rich July 24, 2020, 8:43 am

        Sounds like Curt is unemployed and received free lessons!

  • Jeff Giesick July 22, 2020, 2:17 pm

    She did what she was forced to. Her background only helped to do it effectively.

  • Anthony Lamont July 22, 2020, 1:37 pm

    Shes a coward and snitch after 3 shots and he fell she could’ve walked over and took the knife that’s why I have no love or respect for the popo sue the shit out of her and the police force

    • Pun July 22, 2020, 3:15 pm

      Seriously Anthony what a joke he kept getting up. People still in cars. Quit blasting the blue because you an uneducated twit

      • c July 24, 2020, 9:33 am

        You all are so angry and don’t even know when you’re responding to mostly agitators ! Do you notice that they mostly have so called black names and some of the names are the same. Stop letting people bring your hateful, evil side out.

    • Seriously? July 23, 2020, 9:09 am

      Better off dead for this perp and we should pin a medal on the officer and throw a parade for her. Officers have an immense responsibility and the clear authority to carry out that responsibility. Today the press, media, politicians, teachers, are all preaching no authority or responsibility which brings chaos. This guy was responsible for his choices. The officer is a hero.

    • Trevor_Phillips July 24, 2020, 3:54 am

      I hope the next time you need the Police I hope that they’re too late.

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 7:35 am

      Wow! Another TROLL commenting from the safety of his momma’s basement.

    • Rich July 24, 2020, 8:47 am

      Hey Anthony, sounds like you are the coward. Get off of your bed in mommy and daddy’s house and join the real world. No more time outs for you.

    • Bill in Lexington July 25, 2020, 1:08 am

      So since he couldn’t get to her, she should walk over and get in range? I hope you’re not the deep thinker in your family.
      Why do you think cops cuff suspects after they shoot them but before administering 1st aid?

      Because they are still dangerous.

      Ever wonder why cops even GIVE first aid if they are all out looking for someone to kill?

  • Donwalkintktaalbnnny July 22, 2020, 12:55 pm

    Over-reacting officer. One shot to halt him would have been sufficient. Multiple shots ere used as punishment, so he became target practice

    • Mark N. July 23, 2020, 1:38 am

      Said by someone who did not watch the video. She shot him twice, he went down–but then he got back up again, grabbing his blade while he did. Obviously, TWO shots were not enough.

      Further, she was probably shooting a 9mm Glock. Absent a CNS injury (brain or spine), pistol rounds are not all that effective on stopping someone intent on attacking; they are not powerful enough. Even a shot to the heart will not stop an incentivized attacker, least ways not until the subject has lost enough blood for him or her to become unconscious from lack of blood to the brain, and that may take thirty seconds or more. Let me put that another way, absent stopping the heart or the brain, the average person who dies from handgun rounds dies of blood loss, and that takes time. The lower the rate of loss, the longer the attacker is a threat, unless and until he or she gives up. Ever notice how police officers handcuff someone they’ve shot? Now you know why.

    • RANGERCPT July 24, 2020, 2:21 am

      You’re trained and warned NOT to take shots to “disable” the threat because that shows malice and premeditation to inflict harm, not to stop the threat. You’re an idiot if you think gun vs knife always wins. Within 25 feet-advantage knife.

    • Trevor_Phillips July 24, 2020, 3:52 am

      Were you there? Then stfu

    • Jim Hovater July 24, 2020, 7:39 am

      And you are an ‘expert’ in what, Don? Better to keep your mouth shut and let folks wonder about your intelligence than open it and remove all doubt about your stupidity.

  • Mark-in-Indy July 22, 2020, 11:57 am

    Singled out BECAUSE she’s a well trained shooter and less likely to cause collateral injury. Hypocrisy anyone?

  • Kelly Schriebe July 22, 2020, 11:47 am

    What does competitive shooting training have anything to do with her shooting a guy that was coming at her with a weapon threatening her life and told multiple times to drop it considered wrong. What was she supposed to do let him come up and kill her first seems like a great guy to me. I support The officer completely. She didn’t just shoot she warned multiple times to drop the weapon and the guy not just once but after being shot got back up and went back after her again. What does anyone expect? I’m sorry it is his own fault for threatening anyone. She was within her right to save her own life. I’m sorry the man had to die but I’m not sorry that she is alive. He threatened her life. It was hers or his. If it would have been me I would have shot as well. It is not like she shot to kill the first time he got back up and continued to threaten her I mean seriously! Her life matters too!!

    • Mark N. July 23, 2020, 1:50 am

      What does competitive shooting have to do with it? It means that unlike two infamous NYPD blue, she didn’t hit nine bystanders trying to take down a gun man less than five yards away. It means that she didn’t freak out and empty a 17 round magazine as fast as she could pull the trigger, as it seems many officers do these days. It means she did a great job under extreme pressure.

  • Steve Spearman July 22, 2020, 9:55 am

    I have to go with the officers choice to save lives and the suspect had a choice to save his own life.

  • Sherman Hamilton July 22, 2020, 9:50 am

    Some people think she should have just let the guy walk up to her and possibly kill her. She is a police officer and told the guy repeatedly to drop the knife before she shot him. I support her actions 100%.

  • JZ July 21, 2020, 9:37 pm

    it appears to be a righteous shooting. The deceased should have stopped and dropped the edged weapon when directed to do so. It’s unfortunate that Ofc McBride had to do what she did but just because she’s a competitive shooter doesn’t make this incident an unjust shooting.

    • Patty Vines July 22, 2020, 12:53 pm

      This officer was in the right, she asked him to put knife down, he did not comply with her and after being shot twice e was still trying to get to them eith the knife. It doesn’t matter how experienced she is she was right. When they tell you to lay down and drop your weapon, do it!!!!!!!!

      • William Brown July 22, 2020, 3:20 pm

        Totally agree her training as mine in military train you aim make it count and to this day will squeeze the trigger in blink of an eye with NO REMORSE

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