Connecticut State Trooper Acquitted in Shooting Death of Black Man

A white Connecticut state trooper was acquitted of manslaughter Friday in the death of Mubarak Soulemane, a Black community college student with mental illness who was shot as he sat behind the wheel of a stolen car holding a kitchen knife.

A white Connecticut state police trooper, Brian North, has been acquitted of manslaughter charges in the 2020 shooting death of Mubarak Soulemane, a Black community college student with mental illness. The incident occurred during a high-speed chase that ended in West Haven, Connecticut.

Background of the Case

On January 15, 2020, Soulemane, who struggled with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, displayed a knife at an AT&T store in Norwalk and attempted to steal a cellphone. He then slapped a Lyft driver and stole the driver's car, leading police on a 30-mile chase that reached speeds of up to 100 mph during rush hour.

Norwalk officers initially pursued Soulemane but ended their pursuit due to the high speed and heavy traffic. State police continued the chase after receiving false information that the car theft was a carjacking. During the pursuit, Soulemane struck several police cruisers.

The Shooting

The chase ended when Soulemane exited the highway, struck a civilian's car, and was boxed in by troopers and local police in West Haven. Officers ordered him to exit the vehicle, but he did not comply. A West Haven officer smashed the passenger door window, and another trooper, Joshua Jackson, shot Soulemane with a Taser through the window, which had no effect.

Trooper North, who arrived on the scene, testified that he fired his gun because he believed the West Haven officer, whom he could not see, was in danger from Soulemane, who made a motion to the passenger side of the car while holding the knife. North stated that he feared the officer could be stabbed in the face or neck, which could be fatal.

Expert Testimony

Two law enforcement experts who reviewed the case testified for the defense, stating that they believed the shooting was justified. However, their conclusions were barred from the trial as the judge determined that the final decision rested with the jury.

An expert who testified for the prosecution argued that the officers had time to pause and de-escalate the situation.

Verdict and Reactions

After eight days of hearing evidence and closing arguments, a six-person jury in Milford acquitted North of manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter with a firearm, and negligent homicide.

Soulemane's family and supporters expressed disappointment in the verdict, while the state police union criticized the inspector general for charging North, stating that he made a split-second decision to protect other officers.

Pending Lawsuit

Soulemane's mother, Omo Mohammed, has filed a pending lawsuit against the police over the killing.