Christian Taylor shooting: Trainee US police officer kills unarmed black teenager
Teenager reportedly got into an 'altercation' with officers in a car showroom
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An unarmed black teenager has been shot dead by a trainee police officer in Texas.
University American football player Christian Taylor, 19, was killed by Arlington Police Officer Brad Miller after he allegedly crashed through a car showroom’s window and fought with police officers.
Only a week before the incident, the teenager appears to have posted on a Twitter account purported to belong to him: “I don’t want to die too younggggg.”
Officer Miller, 49, was reportedly called to the scene after the Classic Buick GMC showroom’s security alarms in Dallas, Texas, were triggered by Mr Taylor before 1am on Friday (local time).
Arlington Police officers reportedly approached Mr Taylor, who was a defensive back at Angelo State University, and shot him after an “altercation”.
An investigation into the shooting is underway, with officers examining the CCTV from the car showroom. However, the Dallas Morning News reported that it appeared the shooting was not captured by the shop’s cameras.
Arlington Police officers do not wear bodycams, although the department is implementing a pilot programme.
Officer Miller, who graduated from Arlington Police Academy in March and joined the force in September, had no prior police experience and was in field training under the supervision of a police training officer at the time of the shooting. He has been placed on administrative leave.
Travis Pride, Mr Taylor’s coach at Mansfield Summit High School whcih Mr Taylor graduated from last year, described the teenager as a “fun-loving prankster, a joker”.
On Twitter, the teen’s sister posted a request for privacy from the media and added late on Friday: “I want my brother back home next to me”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments