Detroit, Michigan
July 10, 2020
Agencies: Detroit Police Department Michigan
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: over 3 years ago
Detroit Police Department (DPD) officers were in the midst of arresting a suspect when Hakim Littleton approached them. Littleton fired at officers, who began firing back at Littleton, striking him multiple times. Littleton was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
DPD released body cam footage on the night of July 10, 2020 showing that Littleton pulled out a weapon and began firing at officers. DPD Police Chief James Craig stated that the body cam footage was released in part to clarify what happened, citing erroneous claims on social media that Littleton was shot in the back or while on his knees.
On July 27, Police Chief James Craig, defended and praised his officers during a Monday afternoon news conference, explaining how police have a "hair of a second" to decide: "Do you shoot — or don't shoot."
Local organizations such as Detroit Will Breathe organized protests on the same night as Littleton's death, demanding the release of any video footage and accountability from the police department.