Kentucky police are facing backlash after they fatally shot the wrong person in a home raid at the wrong address.
Residents of London, Kentucky, organized a protest march on Saturday after police fatally shot Doug Harless, a man whose address they confused with someone else's.
Police say Harless trained a gun on them before they shot him during a raid on his home. Residents are saying this is another case of a police raid shooting that did not need to happen.
London Mayor Randall Weddle has been contacted for comment via email and the London Police Department has been contacted outside of working hours via its Facebook page.
Why It Matters
According to Mapping Police Violence, there were only 11 days in the U.S. in 2024 when police did not kill someone. Data from the Police Violence Report shows that fewer than 3 percent of killings by the police result in the officer being charged with a crime.
Kentucky does not require official data collection by the police or the publication of that data. Kentucky also has no minimum standard for police deadly use of force, so it is up to the discretion of officers when they can shoot to kill.
Statements from the Justice for Doug Facebook group show citizens who are frustrated with police violence in their communities, with people making statements such as: "That was a senseless killing why are these cops so unhappy can't they hear can't they see what in the world is going on here in London," and "Our legal system is not blind. It works for the powerful."
A police directive in London, signed in 2023, temporarily suspended the use of body cameras due to cost reasons. According to footage from a town hall meeting held to discuss the shooting, cameras were not used by the police when Harless was shot.
What To Know
London Police had a warrant for a stolen weed eater and heater worth $4,800 on December 23 for the address 489 Vanzant Road. However, they arrived at Harless' address, 511 Vanzant Road, 250 feet away, and asked him to open the door.
According to reports, when Harless refused, police breached his front door and Harless pulled out a handgun, leading to him being shot and killed.
Kentuckians who attended the Justice for Doug march on January 4 said Harless was a "well-loved" member of the community and that "there was never a bad word by him or about him."
The Justice for Doug Facebook page is committed to commemorating Harless and has received support not only from friends and family, but from people across Kentucky.
What People Are Saying
London resident Brandon Dixon said on Facebook: "When people make mistakes we are held accountable. When cops make mistakes they too need to be held accountable. This is little solace to the family that lost a loved one, but at least they will know he paid for what he did. Prayers for Doug's family."
Justice for Doug organizer DeJean N Gary Lawson said on Facebook: "We are his voice … His voice was silenced. This could have happened to anyone. Help us stand and seeking justice for an innocent man's death."
London Mayor Randall Weddle said on his Facebook page: "Undoubtedly, our community seeks answers, and I want to assure everyone that answers will be provided in due time. However, it is essential that we allow the Kentucky State Police to complete their investigation without interference. Since the beginning, my office has maintained a commitment to not interfering with this process, and we will continue to honor that commitment."
What Happens Next
The Justice for Doug group is organizing another march on January 25 to show support for Harless.
The invitation to that event says: "All that want to be a part of marching/protest, please, please, remain peaceful. Doug Harless was a peaceful kind-hearted man. Just saying his name would make him proud."
English (US) ·