By By Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – The Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Col. Gregory W. O. Coleman, on Tuesday evening confirmed that police officers were involved in a fatal shooting incident in the Congertown area following multiple stabbings that left several officers wounded.
According to Inspector General Coleman, the tragic chain of events began on October 8, 2025, around 2:58 p.m., when the police radio room received a distress call reporting that a police officer had been stabbed multiple times near the OLACC building in Congertown.
Suspect Attacks Responding Officers
Responding officers reportedly identified themselves as police and ordered the suspect to surrender. However, despite repeated verbal commands, the man refused to comply. When officers attempted to breach the door, the suspect charged at them with a cutlass, deeply wounding a second officer who tried to defend himself.
A third officer intervened and managed to disarm the suspect of the cutlass, but the man then pulled a concealed knife from his pants, stabbing the third officer in the thigh and attempting another blow aimed at his abdomen.
Police Neutralize Suspect Amid Life-Threatening Danger
“In the face of immediate mortal danger and in accordance with the LNP’s use of force continuum, one of the officers discharged his service weapon, instantly neutralizing the threat and preventing further harm to his colleagues,” Coleman disclosed.
The suspect, along with the injured officers, was rushed to the JFK Medical Center, where one of the wounded officers remains in critical condition and is currently undergoing surgery. The suspect, however, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Police Express Regret, Launch Investigation
“The Liberia National Police deeply regrets this tragic incident and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” Coleman said, urging the public to remain calm while keeping the injured officers in their prayers.
He added that the Professional Standards Department has been mandated to review the officers’ actions and ensure a full and transparent investigation in line with institutional accountability and LNP’s use of force policy.
Series of Attacks Raise Concerns
Inspector General Coleman expressed concern over the recent surge in violent attacks against law enforcement officers, noting that this was the second such incident within ten days.
“It is becoming an issue of concern, and we’re asking the public to desist,” he cautioned. “Over the next week, we’ll be conducting sensitization on the roles of the police and sharing our use of force continuum with the public.”
“A Society That Does Not Honor Its Protectors Has No Future”
In a somber reflection, the Police Chief reminded Liberians of the sacrifices officers make daily in service to the nation.
“What we do is to come out and sacrifice our lives for the state. It doesn’t give anyone the right to assault any peace officer,” Coleman emphasized. “We have to face the families of these people to deliver the sad news of their loved ones who are consistently being injured and sometimes killed on the job.”
MyHe continued, “A society that does not honor its protector has got no future. That’s not what we want for this country. Our expectation is for a better Liberia—one that we’ve given our lives to defend and uphold.”
As he concluded his statement, Inspector General Coleman called on the public to respect the badge, honor the flag, and support law enforcement efforts in maintaining peace and security across the nation.
