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Fargo resident urges city to clarify police lethal‑force policy after 2022 shooting
Summary
Resident Christopher Cohen urged the commission for a written clarification of when Fargo law enforcement may use lethal force, citing the 2022 Fargo Police Department shooting of Shane Netterville and asserting discrepancies between badge‑cam footage and official accounts; mayor said staff have provided reports and that questions will be followed up.
During public comment, Fargo resident Christopher Cohen asked the City Commission for a written clarification of when Fargo law enforcement—city officers or other government agents—may use lethal force. Cohen framed the request as a public‑business issue and cited the 07/08/2022 Fargo Police Department shooting of 28‑year‑old Shane Netterville, alleging badge‑cam footage and accounts showed inconsistencies and questioning the justification for use of lethal force in that incident.
Cohen asked the city to clarify training and policy for officers, noting he believed badge‑cam video showed the van was moving slowly and that officers were advised not to be in front of vehicles. He said he had been in contact with staff (the mayor later mentioned Travis Bonowitz) and requested a written response to his questions.
Mayor acknowledged Cohen’s request, noted staff and reports have been shared with him, and said many of Cohen’s questions would be addressed. The meeting record shows no immediate formal action on policy changes; the Mayor indicated staff follow‑up would occur.
Cohen’s comments and the mayor’s response are part of the public record; any policy changes would require staff analysis and likely a future agenda item for formal consideration.
