Newly released video footage showing a Virginia police officer fatally shooting Sydney Wilson after she slashed the officer has stirred considerable controversy online.
A month earlier, on September 21, 2024, it was announced that 33-year-old Sydney had passed away, though no details about the cause of death were provided.
However, following the public outcry over Sydney’s death, the Fairfax County Police released body-worn camera footage of the shooting incident on October 15, 2024.
The footage revealed crisis intervention officer Peter Liu approaching Wilson’s apartment after her doctor expressed concerns about her mental condition.
After the video’s release, many online have begun expressing sympathy for the police officer involved, with some even suggesting that her death was not tragic and that she got what she deserved.
Police Officer Peter Liu Shot Sydney Wilson In Complete Self-Defense As She Stabbed Him With A Knife
In the video footage, it is clear that Sydney was the one who first stabbed the police officer, who then shot her in self-defense.
Chief Kevin Davis Releases Body-Worn Camera Footage from Reston Officer-Involved Shooting.https://t.co/8Th29Aj3P8 pic.twitter.com/8vOR4aQAPI
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) October 14, 2024
The footage shows police officer Peter Liu knocking on Sydney’s apartment door, which she briefly opens before quickly shutting it again.
The officer continued knocking on the door for about 10 minutes, after which Wilson suddenly opened it while holding a knife.
Moreover, the 33-year-old then attempted to slash the officer, causing him to back up in the hallway while repeatedly asking her to retreat.
When she did not retreat, Officer Liu was forced to draw his firearm for his safety as she pursued him with the knife down the hallway.
Additionally, Officer Liu is seen repeatedly issuing verbal commands to Wilson to back up, but she continues to walk directly toward him with the knife.
Liu retreated until his back was against another apartment door, but Wilson approached him and slashed him.
This led Liu to fire his gun at Wilson as she continued to attack him with the knife, ultimately forcing him to fire more rounds.
Furthermore, additional footage from other officers who responded to the incident showed Officer Liu with his face covered in blood from where Sydney had slashed him.
After the incident, officers attempted to resuscitate Wilson but were unsuccessful, leading to her death.
In response to the incident, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis stated at a press conference:
Our police office acted valiantly. He certainly exhibited some grace under pressure.
Online Community Commends Officer Liu for Doing the Right Thing and Displaying Grace During the Incident.
Sydney Wilson previously played Women’s Basketball at Georgetown University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
On September 21, 2024, Georgetown WBB shared a condolence post to honor the memory of Sydney Wilson.
Georgetown women's basketball mourns the tragic loss of Sydney Wilson (C'13). Forever a Hoya.#HoyaSaxa pic.twitter.com/vqwD8M6x4t
— Georgetown WBB (@GeorgetownWBB) September 20, 2024
However, following the recent release of the footage, there has been considerable controversy surrounding the death of Sydney Wilson.
People have commented on the post, questioning her character and agreeing that the police acted appropriately.
One of the comments even said:
Tragic loss? She slashed a cop in the face with a knife
The online community appears to support the police officer, asserting that his actions directly resulted from Sydney’s behavior.
Moreover, people praise the police officer for showing remarkable composure during the incident.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Sydney Wilson graduated from St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C.
- According to her LinkedIn profile, Wilson worked as a leasing operations manager for JLL Mid-Atlantic in D.C.
- The police department has placed Officer Peter Liu, who was involved in the incident, on “restricted duty” and assigned him to a different role while investigations are underway.
