14.04.2025 15:10
In the state of Idaho, USA, 17-year-old Victor Perez, who had autism and a speech impairment, was shot and killed by the police. Perez also suffered from cerebral palsy and had difficulty walking. The incident occurred when police responding to a 911 call mistakenly believed that the unsteady-walking Perez was a drunken man and shot him.
17-year-old autistic and speech-impaired Victor Perez, who was shot by police in Idaho, USA, passed away after being removed from life support. His family stated that Perez also had cerebral palsy and struggled to walk.
The incident occurred on April 5 in the city of Pocatello. Police responded to a 911 call reporting a drunk man chasing someone with a knife. However, it became clear that the person at the scene was Victor Perez, who was not drunk but was unsteady on his feet due to his disabilities. His family mentioned that Victor was trying to take away a large kitchen knife he was holding.
According to footage taken by neighbors, four police officers arrived at the scene while Victor was lying on the ground in the yard. The officers told him to drop the knife from the other side of the fence, but Victor began to walk unsteadily towards them. The officers opened fire just 12 seconds after getting out of their vehicles.
Victor was taken to the hospital, underwent several surgeries, and had one leg amputated. However, it was reported that he was declared brain dead a week later.
The incident sparked significant outrage among the people of Pocatello and Perez's family. Hundreds held a memorial outside the hospital, while a protest demanding justice took place in front of the city hall. Police snipers were placed on rooftops during the protest, but no incidents occurred.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. The names of the officers who fired have not been released, and they have been placed on administrative leave. The family's only request: justice.