WATCH VIDEO. Family of black man gunned down by off-duty cop admits shooting was ‘justified’

The family of an armed Black man shot and killed by an off-duty police officer in Milwaukee has called the shooting “justified” and supported the quick release of video footage to help prevent misinformation and public unrest.

Elijah Wilks, 26, was fatally shot on Thursday, Oct. 9, after a minor traffic accident involving an off-duty Milwaukee police officer on his way to work, authorities said.

Released video shows Wilks approaching the 40-year-old plainclothes officer, then pulling out a gun and striking the officer in the face. As Wilks backed off, he pointed the handgun directly at the officer, who fired his department-issued weapon in self-defense.

Wilks was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer, a 21-year veteran of the force, was treated at a hospital for minor injuries, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Although the Milwaukee Police Department usually waits 15 days before releasing footage of officer-involved shootings, Wilks’ family requested the video be released immediately to prevent rumors and misinformation.

“We acknowledge that we believe this officer-involved shooting was justified,” said the family’s attorney, B’Ivory LaMarr, at a news conference. “(Wilks) made a bad decision yesterday, and unfortunately it came with dire consequences. The officer responded in accordance with his training.”

Wilks’ aunt, Latrice Bell, said the family has viewed the footage and is at peace with what it shows. “My nephew made a decision he should not have made, and that’s something we have to live with,” she said. The family also indicated they do not plan to file any lawsuits.

According to family members, Wilks had been traveling to his uncle’s funeral, which may have contributed to his uncharacteristic actions, they said.

The West Allis Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting.

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