During Friday’s episode of CNN International’s “The Brief,” Senior Correspondent Josh Campbell weighed in on the video footage of the shooting incident in Minneapolis. Campbell pointed out that while law enforcement officers receive training to avoid stepping in front of vehicles, the video suggests that the officer in question may have been hit by the car. According to protocol, if an officer feels their life is endangered, they are permitted to open fire. However, Campbell noted significant concerns regarding whether the officer could have avoided the danger by moving aside, raising questions about the decision-making in that moment.

Campbell elaborated, explaining that the officer positioned himself in front of the vehicle, which contradicts standard police training across the nation. As the car began to move forward, the officer appeared to be struck, potentially justifying his use of force under the circumstances. Still, Campbell emphasized the critical questions surrounding whether the officer had alternatives, such as evading the vehicle, which remains a pivotal point of inquiry.

He further highlighted the responsibility officers bear when discharging their weapons, underscoring that they must be aware of their surroundings and the potential for collateral damage. In this particular incident, Campbell observed that the officer fired shots in the vicinity of bystanders, yet, fortunately, no others were injured. This aspect underscores the importance of accountability and situational awareness in such high-stakes scenarios.