Family of veteran killed at Atlanta VA hospital reacts to body camera video

DEKALB COUNTY, GA. – John Smith’s family first watched police body camera video of a deadly confrontation between officers and the military veteran during a meeting earlier this week with DeKalb County District Attorney, Sherry Boston.

Smith was experiencing a mental health crisis at the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur and was armed with a knife when an officer shot him in January.

His family was dismayed to learn that the officer would not face charges.

“This was not done properly by the DA’s office,” lamented Veterans Affairs Judge Amos King. “That’s how we feel. And we want someone else to take a look at it.”

The district attorney’s office released a written statement explaining the decision, which said in part: “Although Mr. Smith’s death was a tragedy, the evidence shows that under the law, the officer who shot Mr. Smith had justified reasons for using force, and he will not be charged. Our office has now closed this matter.

Smith held a knife to his throat and threatened to harm himself the night of the shooting.

Body camera video showed officers trying to convince Smith to drop his gun. Authorities said a police officer opened fire when the 58-year-old threatened a hospital employee with a knife.

The family said body camera video and physical evidence tell a different story and insisted Smith was not a threat to anyone but himself. They are considering their next step and say they will continue to pursue criminal charges in the case.

“As a family, we are going to continue to do what we need to do to get justice for John,” said Smith’s mother, Onnie Smith. “I’m not giving up. I refuse to give up. He was my oldest son.”