Two police officers in North Carolina who shot and killed a man wielding a fake gun won’t face charges, according to officials.
Surveillance footage released on Monday captures the moment Derick Manigault allegedly threatens people inside a convenience store on January 10, brandishing what looks like a firearm.
During the confrontation, the officers fired their weapons, resulting in Manigault’s death.
The incident occurred at Jacob’s Food Mart in Gastonia, where officers were conducting a routine check for alcohol compliance. Things escalated when Manigault argued with another customer, and the confrontation intensified when both entered the store. In the footage, he can be heard shouting, “Are you going to lose your life tonight?”
A short while later, the officers discharged their weapons.
It was later determined that the weapon Manigault had was a replica, designed to resemble a real gun. Video evidence shows him running out of the store, still holding the fake gun and turning back with it raised.
After the shooting, the officers were placed on administrative leave as per standard protocol while the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation looked into the incident.
After months of investigation, a report from the Gaston County District Attorney concluded that the use of deadly force was justified and did not warrant criminal charges. It noted that Manigault’s actions raised reasonable doubt about whether the officers acted in self-defense or in defense of others.
“The loss of life is tragic, but Mr. Manigault was the one who initiated this incident on January 10,” indicated Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conard. He emphasized that the officers believed they were responding to a genuine threat from what appeared to be a real weapon.
Manigault’s widow, Rebecca Inslee, expressed her heartbreak over the DA’s decision, asserting that the reports and footage released do not capture the complete picture. She mentioned significant omissions and contradictions, vowing to seek the full truth and justice.
FOX News Digital reached out to both the Gastonia Police Department and the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office for further comment.
