Were Texas police justified in killing a mentally disturbed man in his own home, after he refused to drop the knife he was holding? That’s what people are wondering after video of the incident — the death of 26-year-old Michael Blair — was released by the family of the slain man.
Blair, a paranoid schizophrenic, was killed in the bathroom of his home by Fort Bend County Sheriff’s deputies. Blair had grabbed a knife and locked himself in the bathroom, prompting his family to call police for help. (RELATED:Parents call police for help, cops show up and kill their 18-year-old son)
When the officers arrived, they first stood outside the door and attempted to persuade Blair to come out. After realizing that he had a knife and intended to do himself harm, they kicked in the door.
The officers repeatedly ordered Blair to drop the knife, and tasered him several times. They could not get him to let go of the knife, however.
Eventually, Blair stood up and moved toward one of the deputies. The deputy emptied his clip on Blair, shooting him eleven times. He died instantly.
The incident happened last November. The officers involved have been cleared of any wrongdoing.
But the family claims that deputies murdered Blair — and have finally released the video that they say proves it.
Decide for yourself below.