Two separate Los Angeles police shootings Monday of men who officers alleged were armed with knives pushed the total number of LAPD shootings this year to 23, according to LAPD data. Nine of the shootings this year have been fatal, compared with five fatal shootings at this time last year and a four-year average of just over seven. Though above levels in recent years, the total number of LAPD shootings so far this year remains well below the number of LAPD shootings tallied during similar periods in past decades. California LAPD shootings of unstable people wielding sharp objects a deadly problem Police officials say such weapons represent real, imminent threats. The increase in LAPD shootings is in part due to incidents in which individuals have brandished knives and other edged weapons — something that has garnered increased attention and criticism among activists and other police critics in recent months.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 27, 2021 20:37 UTC