LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas man was fatally shot by a police officer after calling 911 to report a home invasion, authorities confirmed. The incident has raised questions about the use of force and sparked calls for accountability.
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Incident Overview
Brandon Durham, 43, contacted 911 on Nov. 12, saying he was hiding with his 15-year-old daughter as an intruder broke into their home, according to Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren.
In 911 audio obtained by media, Durham can be heard pleading with the dispatcher to “send someone ASAP.”
Officer Alexander Bookman, 26, was among the first responders to arrive. According to Koren, Bookman entered the home by kicking down the front door and found Durham in a hallway struggling over a knife with the intruder.
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Body Camera Footage
Body camera footage released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Bookman ordering both men to drop the knife. The officer fires one shot, causing both men to fall. Bookman then approaches and fires five additional rounds while standing over them.
Durham was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Relationship Between Durham and the Intruder
Authorities revealed that Durham and the intruder knew each other, though details of their relationship remain undisclosed. The intruder was arrested and charged with home invasion and assault.
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Reactions and Investigations
David Roger, general counsel for the Las Vegas police union, defended Bookman’s actions, stating:
“While Mr. Durham’s death is tragic, Officer Bookman was doing his job and did not intend to commit a crime. The person responsible for Mr. Durham’s death is in custody.”
However, Durham’s family has called for Bookman’s termination and criminal charges. Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, representing the family, argued during a news conference that the shooting was unjustified:
“Mr. Durham was not threatening anyone. There’s no justification for the use of force against Mr. Durham.”
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Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated it was premature to comment on potential charges as investigations are ongoing.
Bookman has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard protocol during investigations involving police shootings.
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Next Steps
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the incident, which has drawn attention to the handling of high-pressure situations by law enforcement.
