Tragic Anchorage Incident: Police Fatally Shoot 16-Year-Old Girl

A 16-year-old girl was shot and killed by Anchorage police when she approached them with a knife, marking the fourth fatal police-involved shooting in the city since mid-May. The incident occurred during a family disturbance call. The authorities are investigating the matter.

Anchorage police officers fatally shot a 16-year-old girl who approached them with a knife during a family disturbance call, according to the department. This marks the fourth deadly police-involved shooting in Alaska's largest city since mid-May.

Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case informed reporters that the shooting occurred late Tuesday night after officers responded to a report of a disturbance between two family members. The caller indicated that her sister had threatened her with a knife. Upon arrival, the teen allegedly approached officers with a knife, prompting two of them to open fire.

According to a statement from the police department, the officers issued "multiple commands" to the teen, though the specific orders were not detailed. Chief Case confirmed that one officer fired multiple rounds, while another fired a less-lethal projectile. The teen was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

"She would have started her junior year in high school on Thursday," Case said, noting that the girl's name was not released. Anchorage School District Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt stated that support would be available for affected students and staff when classes resume.

Case explained that the department's policy requires officers armed with less-lethal weapons to be supported by those with lethal force but leaves discretion to the officers based on the situation. The incident was captured on the officers' body-worn cameras, and an investigation is ongoing.

This shooting is the sixth involving Anchorage police since mid-May, four of which have been fatal. The state's Office of Special Prosecutions has reviewed two cases so far and found the use of force to be justified. The office will also investigate this latest shooting.

Chief Case stated that the department would continue to review its training, tactics, and supervision to prevent future incidents involving officer-involved shootings.

(With inputs from agencies.)