Ft Wayne Times

June 24, 2024 - Mayor Sharon Tucker has issued a statement regarding the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred over the weekend.

"My office and I have spent the weekend and all of today in communication with the Fort Wayne Police Department. Our entire City of Fort Wayne team has worked diligently to properly review the incident from this past weekend," said Mayor Tucker.

She emphasized her longstanding support for body cameras, tracing back to her tenure on City Council and her leadership in implementing their use. "My desire is to have body cameras serve as protection for public safety personnel and the public. Transparency and trust are key components of a healthy and desirable community."

The mayor confirmed that the Fort Wayne Police Department is coordinating with Linzell Parhm's family to allow them to view the body camera footage first. "Once the family has had the opportunity to view the video, the City of Fort Wayne will release the body camera footage to the media and the public. This is out of the utmost respect for the family."

Mayor Tucker acknowledged that this situation is unprecedented partly due to a viral video of the incident circulating online. She noted that future incidents would be handled on a case-by-case basis, which may not always involve an immediate release of body camera footage.

"Members of the Fort Wayne Police Department and I will not be able to take questions from the media due to the case being an active investigation," she added.

In closing, Mayor Tucker called for unity among residents: "It is critical that we come together as residents of our great city and support one another."