Family Says Ma'Khia Bryant Was 16 Years Old
The Claim
Ma’Khia Bryant was 15 years old when she was killed by police in Columbus, Ohio.
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Emerging story
On April 20th, police in Columbus, Ohio responded to a call about a disturbance. When officers arrived, it appeared that four people were in the middle of an altercation. One officer pulled his weapon and shot four times, killing Ma'Khiya Bryant. Initial reports stated the girl’s age to be 15 and a misspelling of her name without the apostrophe began circulating along with her age.
Misbar’s Analysis
After Columbus police shot and killed a young girl Tuesday, it was initially reported by an aunt that Ma’Khia Bryant was 15 years old. Officials also referred to her as 15 in an early press conference.
Body cam footage has been released, which shows the police officer approaching the scene where Ma'Khia appears to be holding a knife as she moves towards another figure. He proceeded to shoot four times in response.
Details are still unclear, as the incident is currently under investigation. The family has stated that Ma'Khia was the one who placed the initial call for help after “older kids” had threatened her. Police said they could not confirm who called 911.
Social media users have found it important correct themselves over details about the teen.
