Los Angeles, California — Civil rights advocates are urging for an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of a man by an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during a New Year’s Eve incident at an apartment complex. Community leaders assert that the shooting of Keith Porter Jr. was unjustified and criticize claims that he posed an imminent threat.
Najee Ali, a prominent figure from Project Islamic Hope, contested the narrative presented by the Department of Homeland Security, which described Porter as an “active shooter.” According to Ali, this characterization is misleading. He noted that several witnesses assert Porter was merely shooting a rifle into the air to celebrate the New Year, not threatening anyone in the vicinity.
“Multiple eyewitnesses are prepared to come forward with their accounts,” Ali stated. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging the California Attorney General to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Ali also called for the immediate release of all relevant body-camera footage, ballistic evidence, and witness statements to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities report that police received multiple calls around 11:37 p.m. on December 31 regarding gunfire at an apartment complex on Roscoe Boulevard and Amestoy Avenue. The off-duty ICE agent, whose name has not yet been released, responded to these reports. A confrontation ensued, resulting in the exchange of gunfire between the agent and Porter.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security claimed the off-duty officer acted heroically to neutralize a perceived threat. “The officer was forced to use his weapon in defense of himself and others,” the statement said. Reports from residents describe the sound of the gunfire as alarming, with one saying, “It was a lot of shots, more than ten — it was terrifying.”
After the incident, Porter was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer contacted the Los Angeles Police Department to report the shooting and is currently under investigation. LAPD has not released the identity of the victim nor provided additional details about the event.
The circumstances surrounding this tragic situation have raised significant concerns within the community regarding transparency and the potential for bias in the investigations. Activists remain firm on the importance of accountability for law enforcement actions, especially in cases of deadly force.
As the investigation unfolds, community members are closely monitoring developments, calling for justice and openness regarding the tragic events that unfolded on that night.