Body camera footage reveals quick progression of lethal encounter in Fort Lee police shooting

Newly released police video reveals the events that led to the death of a 25-year-old woman in Fort Lee, New Jersey, last month. The footage shows an officer firing a single shot that killed the woman moments after police forcibly entered an apartment and the woman threatened to stab them. The incident came about quickly after a call for mental health assistance, with the woman’s family initially requesting only an ambulance and not police intervention.

Fort Lee police officer Tony Pickens Jr. shot Victoria Lee after the police broke down the apartment door around 1 a.m., as reported by state Attorney General Matt Platkin. Lee was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital. The police video captured an officer knocking on Lee’s door before announcing the intention to break it down.

In the video, a woman’s voice is heard threatening to stab the officers before they entered the apartment. Following a brief exchange, officers decided on the use of lethal and non-lethal force, leading to the door being shoved open. As the door opens, Lee is seen holding a large water jug that she swings at the police, resulting in a gunshot being fired three seconds later.

Additionally, the video shows a knife being thrown out of the apartment, although it remains unclear where the knife was located or who disposed of it. One of the 911 recordings released by Platkin’s office includes a man seeking help for his sister who was experiencing a mental health crisis, initially requesting only an ambulance. Despite his attempt to cancel police assistance, law enforcement was dispatched to ensure the safety of ambulance workers.

The investigation into the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the state law, requiring Platkin to conduct a thorough investigation and present the findings to a grand jury to determine if the officer involved should face indictment. Messages left with the attorney representing Lee’s family and the police union representing Fort Lee officers have yet to receive a response.