Colorado ICE Employee Arrested After Shooting Incident
Authorities in Colorado report that an employee at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center has been arrested on charges of attempted murder following a shooting that resulted in the injury of a protester.
Aurora Police revealed that the incident occurred on Thursday night. Protesters had gathered to block ICE agents from accessing the facility, and during the confrontation, two female demonstrators began arguing with the agents and took photographs of a vehicle.
According to Police Chief Todd Chamberlain, one of the protesters was shot in the lower body. Fortunately, her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Brandon Booth, allegedly took out a personal handgun and fired shots at the two women as they were leaving, striking one. Afterward, he reportedly fled the scene in his vehicle.
Law enforcement received reports of the shooting around 7:30 a.m. the following day. Officers located Booth with a firearm in his car on Nome Street, just a couple of blocks from where the shooting occurred.
The identity of the victim has not been officially disclosed, but she has been confirmed as a protester.
Both Booth and the unidentified victim have been charged with probable cause for attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault, felony menacing, and unlawful possession of a weapon, as stated by police.
A spokesperson for GEO Group, the organization managing the ICE facility, mentioned in a statement that they’re aware of the situation. They confirmed that the involved employee has been placed on unpaid administrative leave and assured full cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation.
In a statement on Friday, Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain characterized the shooting as “a tragedy on every level.”
The district attorney’s office for Adams and Bloomfield counties has opted not to provide any comments via email regarding the situation.
The district attorney’s office indicated that formal charges would be announced following the next hearing scheduled for July 22. Chamberlain concluded by emphasizing the commitment to a thorough and unbiased investigation, asserting that violence, in any form, will not be permitted in Aurora.
