LAS VEGAS, Nevada

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a Las Vegas man, Brandon Durham, was fatally shot by police after he called 911 for assistance during a home invasion. The shocking events unfolded on November 12, when Durham, 43, frantically dialed for help while hiding with his 15-year-old daughter in their home.

Recorded 911 calls reveal Durham's desperate pleas for immediate action as he tried to shield his daughter from an intruder who had broken into their residence. "Send someone ASAP," he can be heard requesting in the audio recordings released by local station KVVU-TV.

Upon arrival, Officer Alexander Bookman, 26, kicked down the front door and encountered a chaotic scene in the hallway. Authorities reported that Durham was engaged in a struggle with the intruder over a knife. Body camera footage captured the officer shouting commands to "drop the knife," followed by the sound of a single gunshot, after which Durham and the assailant collapsed to the ground. The officer then fired five additional rounds while standing over them, a moment that has raised many questions regarding police protocol in high-pressure situations.

The investigation revealed that Durham and the intruder were acquaintances, with the latter being arrested and facing charges including home invasion and assault. In a statement addressing the incident, David Roger, general counsel for the union representing Las Vegas police officers, expressed condolences while maintaining that Officer Bookman acted in accordance with his duties, emphasizing that the intruder and not the officer was at fault for Durham's tragic death.

However, Durham’s family is calling for accountability, demanding that Officer Bookman be fired and charged. Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, representing the family, stated, “Mr. Durham was not threatening anyone. There’s no justification for the use of force against Mr. Durham," drawing attention to the intricacies and potential failures of police response in such critical situations.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson confirmed that it is still too early to determine potential charges as the investigation continues, leaving the community anxious for answers. Meanwhile, Officer Bookman has been placed on paid administrative leave as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department conducts its inquiries into the incident.

This tragic event not only raises important questions about police conduct and protocol but also highlights the extreme dangers that citizens face in their own homes. As the investigation unfolds, many will be watching closely for developments in this shocking case that has turned a desperate call for help into a devastating and fatal outcome.