Delaware State Police officers investigate after an officer shot a man police said wielded a gun in a confrontation on Ferris Road in Prices Corner shortly after 9 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024.
San Diego, California – The Mexican government is calling for a full and transparent investigation after a Mexican national was fatally shot by San Diego police officers last Friday in a south central San Diego neighborhood. In a statement issued Monday, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs demanded “an exhaustive investigation” into the deadly incident and called on U.S. authorities to uphold the human rights of Mexican citizens living in the United States.
“The relevant authorities have been urged to seek justice in this case and uphold the human rights of our fellow citizens in the United States,” the statement reads.
The shooting occurred shortly after 10 a.m. near 31st and L Streets. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, officers were flagged down by a citizen who reported a man possibly in possession of a firearm. Officers later located a vehicle parked outside a church with a man and woman inside.
The woman exited the vehicle voluntarily, and police began negotiating with the man for approximately an hour. Authorities say the situation escalated when the man allegedly pointed what appeared to be a firearm at multiple officers and a sergeant. Multiple officers then fired their weapons, fatally striking the man. No officers were injured during the incident.
After the shooting, investigators recovered a BB gun from inside the vehicle. The sheriff’s office said the replica weapon resembled a revolver. Officials confirmed that the man did not fire any shots during the encounter.
The San Diego Police Department has not yet publicly identified the man, but the Mexican government has confirmed he was a Mexican citizen. According to officials, the man’s family has been connected with civil attorneys and is receiving consular support, including assistance in repatriating his remains to Mexico.
In its statement, Mexico emphasized the importance of protecting the human rights of its nationals abroad, especially in cases involving law enforcement. The demand for a thorough inquiry comes amid heightened scrutiny of police use of force across the United States and increased diplomatic concern when foreign nationals are involved.
San Diego authorities have not indicated whether any of the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on leave. The incident remains under investigation by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit, as is standard in officer-involved shootings in the city.
The San Diego Police Department and the sheriff’s office have not responded to the Mexican government’s request for comment as of Tuesday morning.
