Omaha’s police chief announced on Wednesday that he is terminating an officer involved in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man during the execution of a no-knock warrant, a controversial policy that has been put on hold in the city. Officer Adam Vail, part of a SWAT team conducting a search warrant for a drug and firearms investigation on August 28, discharged the fatal shot that killed 37-year-old Cameron Ford. The officer claimed that Ford charged at him with his hands not visible.

Prosecutors decided not to press charges against Officer Vail, however, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer revealed that an internal review discovered Vail had breached department protocols. Schmaderer pointed out, “During the inquiry, I found no evidence of criminal intent on the part of Officer Vail. Nevertheless, I cannot overlook the policy and procedure violations that occurred.”

Officer Vail has the opportunity to contest the decision through the human resources department before his termination is final, as stated in a press release by Chief Schmaderer. Following Ford’s death, the Omaha police opted to halt the use of no-knock warrants while further evaluating the practice.

Mayor Jean Stothert expressed her support for Chief Schmaderer’s choice and stated, “I trust and stand by the Chief’s recommendation to dismiss Officer Vail after the examination of Omaha Police Department procedures and the events on August 28th. Our community can be assured that the Omaha Police Department will always uphold the highest standards of accountability.”