Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Police officer accidentally shot and killed by retired lieutenant during training exercise at DC library

Detectgives investigating how trainer allegedly shot victim with one live round of ammunition

Graeme Massie
Los Angeles
Friday 05 August 2022 21:10 BST
Comments
Special police officer shot and killed at DC library

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.

A retired Washington DC police officer has been charged with manslaughter after a city library police officer was shot and killed during a training session.

Officials say that Jesse Porter, 58, was conducting the session on baton use for special police officers at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library when he fired a shot that killed Maurica Manyan.

First responders were called to the scene and found the 25-year-old victim had been shot in a conference room and was “unconscious and not breathing”.

Mr Porter, who retired as a Metro PD lieutenant in 2020, was working as a private contractor and leading a session on the use of retractable batons.

He was arrested on an involuntary manslaughter charge after police consulted with prosecutors from the US attorney’s office in Washington.

The trainer drew a pistol to illustrate how quickly it could be done and fired one shot, hitting the special officer in the chest, a source told News4.

Officials say there were six people in the room at the time of the incident but no one else was hurt.

Washington DC’s public library system has a full-time force of police officers who ensure security at the branches.

Detectives were called to the scene and are investigating why the trainer’s weapon had live ammunition in it.

“I don’t have answers as to why the live firearm was in ASP baton training,” Chief Robert Contee said. “I don’t have those answers for you right now.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in