A Las Vegas man, Brandon Durham, called 911 on November 12, reporting a home invasion and seeking help while hiding with his 15-year-old daughter. In the call, Durham urgently requested assistance, telling the dispatcher that someone had broken into his home. The call captured Durham pleading for officers to “send someone ASAP,” as he remained in hiding with his daughter during the break-in.
Officer Alexander Bookman, 26, was one of the first to arrive at the scene. Upon arrival, he kicked in the front door and encountered Durham in a hallway, where Durham was engaged in a struggle with the intruder over a knife. According to authorities, the officer immediately ordered the individuals to drop the knife.
Body camera footage later released by the police showed the officer firing one round at the scene, with both Durham and the intruder falling to the floor. Bookman then fired five more rounds while standing over the two, ultimately resulting in Durham’s death.
Investigations have revealed that Durham and the intruder knew each other. The intruder was arrested and charged with home invasion and assault.
Despite the tragic outcome, David Roger, the general counsel for the union representing Las Vegas police officers, defended Officer Bookman, stating that the officer was simply doing his job and had no intention of committing a crime. He emphasized that the responsibility for Durham’s death lay with the intruder, who is now in custody.
Las Vegas Father Fatally Shot by Police During Home Invasion Rescue Sparks Outrage and Investigation
Durham’s family has expressed outrage over the shooting, calling for Officer Bookman to be fired and charged. They argue that Durham was not threatening anyone and assert that the use of deadly force was unjustified in this case.
Lee Merritt, the civil rights attorney representing Durham’s family, declared that there was no reason for Bookman to have used lethal force against Durham, as he was not a threat during the incident.
The incident is under investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, with Officer Bookman currently on paid leave. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has stated that it is too early in the investigation to determine whether any charges will be filed against the officer involved in the shooting.
The case remains under scrutiny as authorities continue to gather evidence and assess the events surrounding Durham’s death.
